Israel officially announces start of ground operation in Lebanon
The IDF announced the start of a ground operation in Lebanon (photo: Getty Images)
Israeli forces launched ground raids in southern Lebanon during the night of September 30 to October 1 as part of an operation against Hezbollah. This operation is named Northern Arrows, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
In a statement from the Israeli military that night, it was noted that the IDF had commenced limited, localized, and targeted raids against Hezbollah terrorist targets in the border area of southern Lebanon.
The IDF also mentioned that the operation was initiated based on a decision from the government a few hours ago.
The Israel Defense Forces clarified that these are limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah's facilities and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
"These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel," the IDF stated.
Furthermore, the Israeli side emphasized that the IDF is acting according to a methodical plan developed by the General Staff and Northern Command, which IDF fighters have trained for and prepared over the past months.
In addition, Israeli ground forces are operating with the support of aviation and artillery, which are striking military targets in the area.
"These operations were approved and carried out in accordance with the decision of the political echelon. Operation Northern Arrows will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas," the IDF added.
Additionally, IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee stated on his Telegram that the Israel Defense Forces are commencing a special military operation in southern Lebanon.
What preceded this
On September 30, Western media reported that Israel might begin an invasion of Lebanese territory as part of its war with Hezbollah. For instance, according to the American edition WSJ, the Israeli incursion could start as early as this week.
Additionally, on the evening of September 30, Reuters and CNN reported that the Lebanese army was allegedly withdrawing from positions along the border with Israel. However, this information has yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller stated that Israel had warned the US about a limited ground operation in Lebanon. He did not provide further details.
Israeli media noted that the potential ground activities of the IDF in Lebanon could be limited in depth and scale. The operation aims to identify and eliminate Hezbollah infrastructure established near the Israeli border.
On September 30, it was also reported that Israeli military forces had established a closed military zone in the northern part of the country near the border with Lebanon.
Furthermore, the IDF urged residents of the suburbs of Beirut to evacuate and announced upcoming strikes against Hezbollah targets. On the night of October 1, the Israeli Air Force began attacks on militants' positions in the suburbs of Beirut.
