IDF Launches Ground Raids on Hezbollah Targets Along Lebanon Border

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have commenced limited ground raids against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, marking a new phase in Israel’s ongoing conflict with the Iranian-backed terror group. The operation, which began late Monday night, targets Hezbollah forces and infrastructure along Israel’s northern border.

The IDF confirmed in the early hours of Tuesday morning that troops, supported by air and artillery forces, had crossed into Lebanese villages near the Blue Line, responding to immediate threats posed by Hezbollah operatives. These raids come as part of a broader effort to neutralize Hezbollah’s attack infrastructure and ensure the safety of Israeli communities in the north.

While the operation is limited in scope, it is part of a long-term strategy to push Hezbollah forces back beyond the Litani River, in accordance with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701. Israeli officials have stated that the incursion is aimed at creating the conditions for a diplomatic solution, which would ultimately see Hezbollah’s disarmament in southern Lebanon.

Israel’s actions have garnered cautious support from the United States. Following a call between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself, emphasizing the importance of dismantling Hezbollah’s attack infrastructure. However, Austin also highlighted the need for a diplomatic resolution that would allow civilians on both sides of the border to return safely to their homes.

Despite U.S. support, concerns linger about the potential for the conflict to escalate. American officials have acknowledged that even limited ground operations could expand, drawing parallels to Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon, which turned into an 18-year occupation. Both U.S. and Israeli officials are wary of such "mission creep," but Israel has made it clear that it will continue its efforts to defend its northern border from Hezbollah attacks.

The ground offensive comes amid intensified fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, which has escalated since the beginning of September. Just days before the incursion, Israeli airstrikes eliminated much of Hezbollah’s leadership, including the group’s long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah. His death marked a turning point in the conflict, with Israel now focusing on clearing Hezbollah’s remaining forces from the border region.

Hezbollah has responded with continued rocket fire, launching attacks on Israeli towns along the northern border. Throughout Monday night and into Tuesday morning, sirens warning of incoming rockets sounded across northern Israel, with multiple rockets being intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system. The IDF also reported the interception of a drone over the Mediterranean Sea, further underscoring the ongoing threat posed by Hezbollah’s aerial capabilities.

As the ground raids continue, Lebanese media have reported Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and in Beirut, including strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in the capital’s Dahiyeh district. In total, the Lebanese health ministry reported that over 95 people have been killed and 172 wounded in the past 24 hours.

The IDF has reiterated that the operation in Lebanon is part of its broader war goals, which include neutralizing threats from Hezbollah and allowing the safe return of Israeli citizens to their homes in the north. "We are doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel," the military stated in a press release, confirming that the limited ground operation will continue as long as necessary to secure Israel’s northern border.

The international community is closely watching the developments, with several European countries evacuating diplomats and citizens from Lebanon in anticipation of further conflict. Germany, Bulgaria, and the UK have all begun organizing evacuations, with Canada reserving seats on commercial flights to assist the roughly 45,000 Canadian citizens currently in Lebanon.

As Israel’s ground operations continue, the focus remains on dismantling Hezbollah’s military presence along the border while attempting to avoid a full-scale escalation. However, with tensions running high, the region’s future remains uncertain, and Israel is prepared to defend itself as necessary.

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