Israel Commences Ground Operations Against Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon
Israeli ground forces began targeted operations in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah, marking a new phase in the conflict. U.S. support for Israel was reaffirmed, amidst rising tensions following the assassination of a leading Hezbollah figure. Concurrently, Lebanon’s military is adjusting its positions in response to the situation, while UN operations are hampered due to violence along the border.
On Tuesday morning, Israeli ground forces initiated a military operation in southern Lebanon, characterized as “limited, localized, and targeted ground raids” aimed at Hezbollah positions, as declared by a military spokesperson. This incursion marks the emergence of a new front in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Iranian-supported groups, which has persisted for over a year. The current developments emphasize the escalating tensions in the region, particularly following the recent airstrike that resulted in the death of a senior Hezbollah leader near Beirut. In a show of support for Israel, United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin communicated with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, expressing that the U.S. backs efforts to dismantle the military infrastructure that threatens Israel from the Lebanese border. Amidst these military actions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a grave warning to Iran, indicating a potential escalation of hostilities in the ongoing conflict. Hezbollah’s deputy leader Naim Qassem responded to these events, announcing that the group would appoint a new leader following the killing of Hassan Nasrallah and vowed to persist in their campaign against Israel. In light of the heightened military activity, Israel has advised the U.S. about the commencement of its operations in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah. Furthermore, measures have been taken to establish three northern Israeli border communities as a “closed military zone,” signifying restricted access to military forces only. Concurrently, the Lebanese military is adjusting its deployments in anticipation of further Israeli actions. Reports indicate that United Nations peacekeeping operations in Lebanon are currently hindered due to ongoing artillery and rocket exchanges between the factions.
The current situation in southern Lebanon is rooted in a broader conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. This latest ground operation by Israel comes in the context of heightened hostilities and regional instability, exacerbated by recent airstrikes and the assassination of Hezbollah leadership. The dynamics of this conflict involve international factors, notably U.S. support for Israel and the responses from Hezbollah, which have significant implications for the stability of Lebanon and the surrounding regions. The involvement of the United Nations peacekeepers also highlights the complexity of maintaining peace in an area fraught with military actions and retaliations.
The initiation of ground operations by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon underscores the intensifying conflict with Hezbollah and the broader implications of Iranian influence in the region. With Hezbollah committing to continued resistance and Israel receiving support from the United States, the situation remains precarious. This operation marks a potential shift in military engagement that could further destabilize the region, necessitating monitoring and diplomatic efforts to avert escalation.
Original Source: www.france24.com
