In a significant escalation of the conflict, the military chief of Israel has informed troops that extensive airstrikes aimed at Hezbollah in Lebanon could prepare the ground for a potential ground invasion. “You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day. This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah,” Lt Gen Herzi Halevi stated.
According to Lebanon’s health minister, over 50 individuals were reported dead following the Israeli strikes, which were purportedly aimed at Hezbollah’s intelligence units, launchers, and weapon depots.
Diplomatic talks are intensifying in an attempt to de-escalate the worsening conflicts, with the United States and France suggesting a temporary ceasefire lasting 21 days.
Lt Gen Halevi’s remarks mark the clearest indication yet from a senior military official that Israeli ground forces may soon enter Lebanon. “We keep striking and hitting them everywhere,” he told soldiers during an exercise along Israel’s northern border, as quoted by Israeli defense sources.
He outlined the objective: “The goal is very clear – to safely return the residents of the north. To achieve that, we are preparing the process of a maneuver, which means your military boots… will enter enemy territory.” He asserted that troops would “destroy the enemy” and dismantle its infrastructure.
Despite the escalating tensions, the Pentagon indicated there was no immediate sign pointing to an imminent Israeli ground entry into Lebanon. However, the IDF’s recent mobilization of reserve brigades suggests preparations are serious.
During a visit by a media team to the Israeli border, the military claimed that Hezbollah fighters must retreat beyond the Litani River, a requirement established by a UN resolution passed in 2006.
Several media sources reported that senior US officials are engaged in discussions to broker a brief cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
French President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden met at the UN General Assembly to discuss plans for a ceasefire, leading to France’s proposal of a 21-day “temporary ceasefire” to facilitate negotiations.
“There cannot be a war in Lebanon. This is why we urge Israel to cease this escalation in Lebanon and for Hezbollah to stop launching missiles into Israel,” Macron emphasized at the UN.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire, stating that “hell is breaking loose”.
Israel’s envoy to the UN expressed gratitude for the diplomatic efforts but affirmed Israel’s commitment to utilising “all means at our disposal, in accordance with international law, to achieve our objectives.”
Cross-border skirmishes continued on Wednesday, with Hezbollah claiming responsibility for targeting Israel’s Mossad headquarters with a missile aimed at Tel Aviv, marking an unprecedented action in a heavily populated area. The missile was intercepted without any reported damage or injuries, while the launch site was subsequently destroyed by Israeli forces.
IDF spokesperson Lt Col Nadav Shoshani said the missile aimed toward civilian areas and emphasized that its intended target was not located there. Hezbollah also launched numerous rockets into northern Israel, resulting in injuries to two individuals.
In retaliation, the IDF reported over 280 airstrikes on “Hezbollah terror targets” in Lebanon. The Lebanese Health Minister confirmed that these strikes resulted in at least 51 deaths and injuries to over 223 individuals, though details on civilian casualties remain unclear.
The health ministry cited significant strikes in southern regions, including Joun and Maaysrah, as well as in northern Bekaa Valley.
Reports indicate that more than 600 people have died across Lebanon since the onset of Israel’s intensified air campaign on Monday, as Israel aims to dismantle infrastructure established by Hezbollah since the last major conflict in 2006. Additionally, more than 90,000 individuals have been newly displaced, joining the 110,000 who had already fled their homes prior to the latest escalation, as reported by the UN. Almost 40,000 are now living in shelters throughout Lebanon.
The prolonged bouts of cross-border fighting, fueled by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, have forced an estimated 70,000 individuals to evacuate in northern Israel, where authorities emphasize the need for their safe return.
Hezbollah, supported by Iran, claims its actions are in defense of the Palestinian cause and asserts that its attacks on Israel will continue until a ceasefire is established in Gaza. Both groups are designated as terrorist organizations by Israel, the UK, and various other countries.
This recent surge in conflict comes on the heels of an extraordinary wave of attacks against Hezbollah. Last week saw at least 39 fatalities and numerous injuries due to explosive devices used by Hezbollah themselves. Israel is widely viewed as responsible for these incidents.
Moreover, an Israeli airstrike on Friday devastated the command structure of Hezbollah’s primary fighting unit, resulting in the death of one of its senior military leaders, Ibrahim Aqil, among 55 total casualties.
