Israel Launches Targeted Ground Raids in Southern Lebanon

Israel Initiates Ground Operation in Lebanon

Ignoring international pleas for de-escalation, Israel commenced a ground operation in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, October 1st. Ground troops crossed the border aiming to engage Hezbollah in the villages of southern Lebanon.

A Response to the Assassination of Hassan Nasrallah

The Israeli military action follows the ongoing conflict with the pro-Iranian movement, a declared enemy of Israel. This operation comes in the wake of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike near Beirut last Friday.

Israeli leaders have explicitly stated that their war against the Shiite movement is far from over.

Operations: “Limited, Localized, and Targeted”

The Israeli army’s statement describes the ground operations as “limited, localized, and targeted” against Hezbollah.

While details on the number of soldiers involved remain undisclosed, the army reports that the targets are villages near the border posing an immediate threat to northern Israel.

Calls for Ceasefire

U.S. President Joe Biden has voiced his opposition to these ground operations, urging a ceasefire. However, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, on social network X, stressed the “necessity to dismantle Hezbollah’s attack infrastructures,” highlighting the importance of a “diplomatic resolution” to ensure the safety of civilians on both sides of the border.

The Israeli armed forces claim to be operating under a “methodical plan” prepared over recent months, supported by precise strikes from aviation and artillery backing the ground forces.