Lebanon, Oct 01 (Alliance News): Israel has initiated what it calls “a limited ground operation” across its northern border into Lebanon, specifically targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.
This action represents a significant and dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict, marking the fourth time in nearly 50 years that Israeli troops have entered Lebanese territory, and the first since the 2006 war.
In recent days, Israeli forces have ramped up airstrikes in Lebanon, resulting in hundreds of casualties, widespread destruction of homes, and the displacement of around 1 million people.
This escalation follows the recent assassination of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an airstrike.
Israeli officials describe the ground operation as limited in scope, emphasizing that there will be “no long-term occupation.”
The military aims to eliminate immediate threats from Hezbollah, particularly its ability to infiltrate northern Israel. However, details on the depth of the incursion and its duration remain unclear.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicated that the killing of Nasrallah was just the beginning of further military action, stressing the need to utilize all available capabilities.
Despite international calls for restraint, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained a defiant stance amidst rising civilian casualties in Lebanon and Gaza.
Prior military operations characterized as limited have often expanded significantly, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region.
In the lead-up to the incursion, Israel’s National Security Cabinet approved this new phase of its conflict with Hezbollah, preparing by conducting small raids and artillery strikes along the border.
The Lebanese army has also shifted its positions in response to the heightened tensions, while Israel’s air force has targeted areas in Beirut, marking a notable escalation in airstrikes since the October 7 attacks by Hamas.
