US sees possibility of limited Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon
Photo: Israeli military (Getty Images)
The US perceives signs of Israel's possible preparation for a ground invasion of Lebanon. Specifically, the Israeli state is moving its forces to the northern border of the country, according to CNN.
Sources emphasize that Israel has not yet decided on whether to conduct a ground invasion.
According to one official, the US assessment is based on the mobilization of Israeli troops and the clearing of areas as part of preparations for a potential ground invasion.
Earlier on Saturday, Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Peter Lerner stated that the military is preparing for the possibility of a ground invasion, but that it is just one of several options being considered.
CNN reports that Israel's stated goal is to return over 60,000 residents to their homes in the northern part of the country near the border with Lebanon.
Before this, on Wednesday, Israel’s top general, Herzi Halevi indicated that the country is preparing for a possible deployment of ground troops to Lebanon.
Additionally, shortly before the news of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, a senior Israeli official stated that the country hopes to avoid conducting a ground invasion of Lebanon.
"Our preference is not to have a ground incursion," the official stated.
Yesterday it became known that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant conducted an assessment of the Israel Defense Forces' readiness for an expansion of offensive activity on the northern front of the country, where Lebanon is located.
