Israel may launch ground invasion of Lebanon this week
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
Israeli special forces are conducting targeted raids in southern Lebanon to gather intelligence and carry out reconnaissance operations as preparations for a possible ground invasion are underway. This invasion could begin as early as this week, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Sources familiar with the situation have indicated that during these operations, soldiers are infiltrating tunnels belonging to Hezbollah militants along the Lebanon-Israel border. Such raids have been carried out both in recent days and over the past few months.
According to these sources, these actions are part of a broader Israeli strategy to weaken Hezbollah's military capabilities along the Lebanese border. However, the timing of ground operations may change under pressure from the United States, which is keen to prevent a major invasion. Exact Israeli plans remain unclear, and it is uncertain how long Tel Aviv would hold the territory or whether the operation would consist of a series of large raids.
Amir Avivi, a former high-ranking Israeli military official, noted that a ground invasion is inevitable, and the current raids are part of preparatory actions.
He said that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are actively preparing for potential ground operations, including the use of special units.
Escalation in Middle East
In recent weeks, clashes between Israel and Hezbollah militants, who are backed by Iran, have significantly increased. On Sunday, militants fired upon northern Israel, prompting the IDF to destroy the launch site from which the attacks were initiated.
On Saturday, the Israeli army launched a massive strike on Lebanese territory, during which Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was reportedly eliminated.
The United States is urging Israel to refrain from initiating a military operation in Lebanon and is insisting on seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
