Israel launches 'targeted ground raids' on Hezbollah in Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Monday night that it has initiated "targeted ground raids" in southern Lebanon. The IDF stated that these operations are based on "precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon." The targeted areas are reportedly located near the border, posing an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.
IDF's methodical plan and international calls for ceasefire
The IDF explained that its operations are part of a "methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command." They added, "The Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery are supporting the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area." This comes even after international calls for restraint, including from US President Joe Biden, who urged for a ceasefire in Lebanon just hours before Israel's invasion.
Israel's strategic shift
The IDF confirmed that the operations were approved and executed "in accordance with the decision of the political echelon." It stated that "Operation 'Northern Arrows' will continue according to the situational assessment... and in parallel to combat in Gaza and other arenas." This shift in focus comes as Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip has reached a standstill. Meanwhile, Naim Qassem—deputy to slain Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah—declared on Monday that their group remains ready for ground combat.
Israel's aim
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that the aim of taking down Hezbollah is to put an end to the rocket attacks by the Iran-backed group—which have forced tens of thousands of Israelis to flee their homes in northern Israel. Even though most of Hezbollah's top leaders have been killed and most of its weapons destroyed, Israeli officials claim that the group still has enough firepower to cause damage to Israeli forces and launch cross-border missiles.
