Israeli troops have commenced “limited, localized, and targeted” ground operations in Lebanon, just two days after an airstrike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the Middle East. The key points of this significant development are as follows:
- The ground operations aim at Hezbollah facilities in southern Lebanese villages near the border that threaten Israeli communities in the north, according to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), which stated that Operation “Northern Arrows” will proceed alongside the ongoing conflict in Gaza and other regions.
- Following evacuation orders, Israel carried out at least six airstrikes on southern Beirut, impacting a Palestinian camp in the region, as noted by a Lebanese official.
- In his first televised address since Nasrallah’s death, Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem stated their preparedness if Israel opts for a land invasion. The group claims to have “targeted” Israeli forces in orchards close to the Lebanese border.
- Global leaders, including the UN Secretary-General and US President Joe Biden, have expressed opposition to a ground invasion of Lebanon, urging for a ceasefire.
- Both Israel and Hezbollah have largely disregarded international pleas for a ceasefire. Israeli airstrikes in Beirut over the past week have resulted in hundreds of casualties and forced many to flee, as reported by Lebanese sources.
- Last night, the Israeli military instructed residents of southern Beirut to evacuate, citing proximity to Hezbollah’s interests: “For your safety and that of your family, you must leave the buildings immediately and maintain a distance,” stated military spokesman Avichay Adraee.
- Hassan Nasrallah, the former Hezbollah leader, was killed in a major airstrike on Beirut on Friday. However, Israeli officials declared the conflict would continue, asserting that Nasrallah’s death was “an important step, but not the final one,” according to their defense minister.
- Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned that all necessary means will be employed to combat in northern Israel, which borders Lebanon—“from the air, from the sea, and on land.”
- In other developments, three civilians were reported dead due to Israeli airstrikes in Damascus, as stated by state media. The official SANA agency reported that these attacks were launched from the Syrian Golan, targeting multiple locations in Damascus.
- Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah has shifted focus away from Gaza, where Hamas members have been engaged in an extended ground operation against Israeli forces. Hezbollah in Lebanon, backed by Iran, is aligned with the Palestinian group Hamas.
