Understanding Israel's Ground Offensive in Lebanon: Key Facts and Updates

Photo: AFP

On Tuesday, Israel officially announced the launch of a ground offensive targeting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. This action comes just days after Israeli airstrikes resulted in the death of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in a bunker in Beirut.

The offensive began late Monday evening, when the Israeli military initiated what it described as "limited, localized and targeted raids" against Hezbollah positions in border areas of southern Lebanon. These ground operations are supported by aerial assaults from fighter jets and artillery fire.

Hours after the United States reported that Israeli forces were conducting limited operations in Lebanon, the military formally declared the start of its ground offensive. While the military did not disclose the exact number of troops involved, it confirmed that the 98th division, including paratroopers and commando units, was participating. This division had previously been active in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli forces continue to engage with Palestinian militants from Hamas.

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The Israeli military also declared three areas along the northern border with Lebanon as a "closed military zone," marking an early indication of the impending ground offensive.

Israel's military operation is based on "precise intelligence" aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah's positions and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. The targets are reportedly located in villages close to the border, identified as posing an immediate threat to Israeli communities in the northern regions.

The ground offensive follows a series of Israeli airstrikes that have recently killed several high-ranking Hezbollah commanders, including Nasrallah. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized the significance of eliminating Nasrallah but noted that this action was not the end goal. He stated, "We will use all the means that may be required – your forces, other forces, from the air, from the sea, and on land."

Since October 8, Hezbollah has been launching rockets into northern Israel, which has displaced over 60,000 residents in the region. The group claims its actions are in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, especially following the unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people.

As cross-border skirmishes have escalated in recent weeks, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have declared that the focus of their military efforts is shifting northward. Gallant articulated the need for displaced residents to return home, stating, "It was now time to ensure that those displaced from the north would be able to return to their homes."

Netanyahu further vowed to continue striking at Hezbollah, asserting, "The one who has a missile in his living room and a rocket in his home will not have a home."

In response to the ongoing ground offensive, Hezbollah has fired multiple rockets into Israel, including explosions heard in Tel Aviv on Tuesday. The group announced that it launched a series of Fadi 4 rockets targeting the Glilot military intelligence base and the Mossad headquarters situated on the outskirts of the city.

Hezbollah also claimed to have targeted Israeli troop movements in Metula, a northern Israeli town, with artillery fire, as well as a gathering of enemy soldiers in the same area using rockets.

As the situation continues to evolve, both sides appear to be entrenched in escalating military actions, raising concerns about the broader implications for regional stability.