Intense Clashes Erupt Between Israel and Hezbollah as Ground Operations Begin in Lebanon
Israeli Forces Target Hezbollah Strongholds Ahead of Potential Full-Scale Invasion
Israel’s military confirmed that fierce fighting erupted with Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon following a series of raids by its elite paratroopers and commandos. The operations, conducted by Israel’s 98th Division, mark a significant escalation as the country prepares for a broader ground offensive into Lebanon. This comes after devastating airstrikes on Hezbollah leadership, including the assassination of the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in Beirut last week.
Israel Launches Ground Raids in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) revealed that the operations commenced on Monday night and were supported by air and artillery strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanese villages near the Israeli border. These raids, part of “limited, localized, and targeted” operations, were strategically aimed at neutralizing immediate threats posed by Hezbollah, a powerful Iranian-backed militia.
Lebanon’s southern regions have seen significant military activity, with artillery and drone support supplementing Israel’s ground forces. Reports from residents in border towns such as Aita al-Shaab describe intense shelling, aerial surveillance, and flares lighting up the night sky.
Nasrallah Assassination: A Major Blow to Hezbollah
Israel’s assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the charismatic leader of Hezbollah, represents a historic achievement in the country’s efforts to weaken the militant group. Nasrallah, who transformed Hezbollah into Lebanon’s dominant political and military force, was killed in an airstrike in Beirut last week. His death has left a significant power vacuum within the organization, although Hezbollah remains defiant.
Despite Israel’s successes, it has hinted that a full-scale invasion of Lebanon may be imminent. Israeli officials have pointed to the thousands of citizens displaced by Hezbollah rocket fire as justification for a larger offensive, stating that their goal is to secure the northern border and allow for the safe return of civilians.
Hezbollah and Lebanese Response
In response to Israel’s actions, Hezbollah has continued to launch artillery and rocket fire at Israeli troops. However, it has yet to officially acknowledge the scale of Israel’s ground incursion. Lebanese sources reported that Israeli forces crossed into Lebanon for reconnaissance and probing operations overnight, and the Lebanese army has largely stayed on the sidelines, not engaging Israeli forces directly.
An Israeli airstrike on Tuesday targeted Mounir Maqdah, a prominent commander of the Palestinian Fatah movement’s military wing, in a Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon. Maqdah’s fate remains unknown, but the strike marks the first significant attack on a Palestinian camp since hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah reignited.
Broader Conflict and Regional Implications
The escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah threatens to draw in other regional powers, including the United States and Iran. This potential for a broader conflict underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate diplomatic efforts.
In Syria, Israeli airstrikes have also intensified, with three civilians reported killed in the latest strikes on Damascus. Israel has been targeting Iranian-linked infrastructure in Syria for years, and these operations have expanded since Hamas’ devastating assault on Israel in early October 2023.
Devastation Across Lebanon
The ongoing airstrikes and ground raids have caused immense destruction across Lebanon, particularly in Hezbollah-controlled areas in the south and Beirut’s southern suburbs. The Lebanese government reports that over 1,000 civilians have been killed, and one million have been displaced as a result of the violence, highlighting the devastating impact on innocent lives.
In the past 24 hours alone, at least 95 people have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, declared on Monday that the group’s “resistance forces are ready for a ground engagement” and confirmed that Hezbollah had fired rockets deep into Israeli territory.
U.S. Calls for Ceasefire
While the White House has yet to respond to Israel’s latest ground operations, U.S. President Joe Biden’s call for a ceasefire on Monday carries significant weight. However, with fighting intensifying across Lebanon and Syria, the prospect of a truce seems remote as both Israel and Hezbollah gear up for an extended confrontation.
The situation in Lebanon and Israel continues to evolve, with both sides preparing for what could be a significant ground conflict in the region.