Israel conducted limited ground raids in southern Lebanon late Monday, targeting Hezbollah forces and infrastructure near the border. This followed the approval by Israel's security cabinet for a new phase of the conflict aimed at weakening Hezbollah's military capabilities in the area. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the operation as "localized, targeted" ground incursions, focused on Hezbollah positions posing a threat to nearby Israeli towns.
Israeli ground troops, supported by air and artillery forces, carried out the operation, with the IDF's elite 98th Division and 7th Armored Brigade leading the assault. The raids took place after the Lebanese military pulled back several kilometers from the border, choosing not to engage.
The United States, though wary of possible mission expansion, expressed cautious support for the operation. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated Israel's right to self-defense but stressed the need for a diplomatic resolution to avoid prolonged conflict. Austin also warned Iran and its proxies against exploiting the situation, underscoring potential consequences for direct aggression against Israel.
The incursion is part of a broader Israeli effort to create conditions for a diplomatic agreement, potentially pushing Hezbollah back beyond the Litani River. The operation comes amid increasing cross-border hostilities and follows the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli strike. While Israel aims to neutralize immediate threats along its northern border, concerns remain about the potential for further escalation.
.jpeg)
0 Comments