Israel Launches Ground Raids on Hezbollah Positions in Lebanese Border Villages

The Israel military announced on Tuesday that its forces have commenced “targeted ground raids” in southern Lebanese villages. These operations, supported by airstrikes and artillery, began “a few hours ago” and are aim at the militant group Hezbollah. “in villages near the Isaeli border,” according to a military statement.

Israel’s military stated, “The IDF has initiated limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on accurate intelligence against Hezbollah. Terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.”

The Jerusalem Post reported that the IDF will implement “a methodical plan outlined by the General Staff and the Northern Command. Which soldiers have been training and preparing for over the past few months.”

The Israeli army instructed residents in the Hezbollah stronghold to evacuate

The recent attacks followed the airstrike that killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut on Friday. A Lebanese security official stated that Israel also carried out at least six strikes on southern. Beirut after the Israeli army instructed residents in the Hezbollah stronghold to evacuate, according to AFP.

Despite international appeals for de-escalation, Israel has pledged to continue its fight against Hezbollah. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the “battle is not over,” even following the significant strike on Beirut that killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, dealing a major blow to the group.

In his first televised address since Nasrallah’s death, Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem declare that they are prepared to confront Israel. The group also stated in a statement that they have “targeted” Israeli troops in orchards close to the Lebanese border.

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On Monday, US President Joe Biden expressed his opposition to an Israeli ground operation, stating, “We should have a ceasefire now.” While the US has backed Israel’s right to defend itself, Biden’s comments reflect a call for a pause in hostilities.

On Tuesday, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin stated that he spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to discuss security developments and Israeli operations. He emphasized that the United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself and agreed on the importance of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to prevent Hezbollah from launching attacks similar to those on October 7 against Israeli northern communities.

Emphasizing the need for civilians to return home safely on both sides of the border

“I reiterated the need for a diplomatic solution to allow civilians on both sides of the border to return home safely. I also made it clear that the United States is prepared to defend its personnel, partners, and allies against threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations. We are committed to preventing any party from taking advantage of the current tensions or escalating the conflict. Additionally, I emphasized the serious consequences Iran would face if it decides to launch a direct military attack against Israel,” he added.

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that India condemns terrorism in all its forms and stressed the importance of ensuring the safe release of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip.

World leaders have called for de-escalation, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, stating, “We do not want any kind of ground invasion.

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