Key Takeaways:
• Israeli military has instigated a ground operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.
• The raids are localized, targeting villages near the Israeli border.
• Israeli Air Force, IDF Artillery, and intelligence services, are supporting these ground forces.
• The operation, termed “Northern Arrows,” runs parallel to combat in Gaza and other areas.
• The move follows recent Israeli airstrikes, which killed senior Hezbollah figures in Beirut.
• Israel has also widened its airstrikes to include Lebanon and Yemen.
• There are growing fears that this could escalate into wider regional conflict involving Iran, and potentially even the U.S.
The Israeli Defense Forces Begin Ground Operations
According to recent reports, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated a ground action against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. The IDF has clarified that these operations are localized and limited, focusing on specific villages situated near the Israeli border.
Based on Accurate Intel, Targeting Immediate Threats
The ground raids have been instigated based on precise intelligence data and are focused specifically on Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure. The IDF highlighted that the targeted areas pose a significant and immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.
A Coordinated Attack Supported by IDF Artillery
The Israeli military has combined resources in launching this operation. In addition to ground forces, the Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery are providing precise strikes on military landmarks in the concerned area.
Thorough Planning, Approval from Political Leaders
The ground operation has been meticulously planned in the preceding months and was set in motion following necessary approval from political leaders. The operation commenced following a series of Israeli airstrikes, which resulted in the death of Hezbollah’s leader, among other high-ranking officials, in Beirut.
Israel’s “Northern Arrows” to Continue in Parallel
Israel has stated that it will concurrently continue its airstrike campaign, dubbed “Northern Arrows”, on Iran-backed groups in Lebanon. These operations will be running alongside combats in Gaza and other frontiers.
Airstrikes Extended to Lebanon and Beyond
Further escalating the situation, Israel broadened its airstrikes over the weekend, hitting Yemen’s Houthi rebels, even at locations thousands of miles away. The move has caused increased apprehension that the ongoing struggle between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, as well as Hezbollah in Lebanon, could potentially morph into a far-reaching regional conflict. International powers, including Iran and potentially the U.S., could become embroiled, backing their respective allies.
U.S. Informed of Israeli Plans for Limited Incursion
Earlier this week, a US official verified to the media, that the US had received prior notification from Israel about a restrained ground incursion into Lebanon.
This is a news-in-progress and will need regular updates for the most recent developments. With the situation in the Middle East showing no signs of normalization, it is essential to keep track of the events as they unfold. Monitor this space for the latest updates on the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.