The Israeli military has launched a ground incursion into southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah militants in what it describes as “limited incursions.” The operation, which began late Monday (September 30), is aimed at Hezbollah targets that pose an immediate threat to communities in northern Israel. This follows an airstrike on Friday that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
The ground offensive involves Israeli commandos conducting raids against Hezbollah targets and infrastructure in villages in southern Lebanon, with backup provided by the Israeli air force and artillery troops. The Israeli military has closed off the area of three Israeli towns near the border with southeast Lebanon. Approximately 63,000 Israelis remain displaced from the border area due to Hezbollah rocket fire, and the U.N. reports that about one million Lebanese have been displaced from their homes due to Israeli airstrikes.
The ground offensive comes amid escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Israeli strikes across Lebanon have killed more than 1,000 people in less than two weeks, forcing many to flee their homes. The strikes have targeted Hezbollah and its weapons, killing several top officials, but have also resulted in civilian casualties.
Not long after the ground offensive began, Iran launched a ballistic missile attack toward Israel. Most of the missiles were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome and U.S. forces. Several missiles hit the ground, and officials are assessing the damage.
Israeli officials vowed there will be a “significant response” to Iran’s attack.
The conflict began after an assault on Israel led by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on October 7. Hezbollah has stated it will continue firing rockets into northern Israel until there’s a ceasefire in Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
The Israeli military is now engaged in warfare on multiple fronts. In addition to the operation in Gaza, Israel has also conducted airstrikes in Yemen, targeting power plants and a seaport used by the Houthis to import oil for military purposes.
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