Israel is reportedly preparing for a limited ground invasion of Lebanon, with operations potentially starting as early as today, according to senior U.S. officials. This development follows increased tensions and discussions between Israeli and U.S. leadership over the weekend.
The planned Israeli operation is expected to be more contained than the 2006 war with Hezbollah, primarily aimed at securing communities along Israel’s northern border. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the “next stage of the war against Hezbollah will begin soon,” with the goal of facilitating the return of displaced Israelis to their northern homes.
On Monday, Israeli forces launched targeted strikes in southern Lebanon, focusing on Hezbollah’s infrastructure, including weapons caches and command centers. Certain areas along Israel’s northern border, such as Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi, have been declared closed military zones, restricting entry.
The U.S. State Department acknowledged ongoing dialogue with Israel regarding these operations, emphasizing that the current military efforts are limited and focused on Hezbollah targets near the border.
Meanwhile, evacuation efforts for foreign nationals, including Bulgarians, have intensified as countries work to extract their citizens ahead of the anticipated invasion. Israeli reservists have been gathering at key assembly points near the northern border, and logistical preparations have been observed in the area.
Further complicating the situation, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have declared an escalation in military operations against Israel in response to recent Israeli airstrikes on Yemeni infrastructure, which reportedly resulted in casualties.
U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed concerns about the necessity of the Israeli incursion, suggesting that the recent death of Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, may have significantly weakened the group. He called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution rather than further military action.
Despite these calls for restraint, Israel appears set to proceed with its operations, with U.S. officials cautioning that the escalation could lead to a broader conflict in the Middle East and result in significant casualties. The situation remains dynamic as military and diplomatic efforts continue to unfold in the region.
