Israel has launched a ground operation in southern Lebanon targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. This is the fourth time Israeli soldiers have publicly entered Lebanese soil in nearly 50 years, and the first since the 34-day war in 2006.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) disclosed that even before officially announcing the ground operations on Tuesday, its troops had already conducted dozens of covert cross-border raids throughout the ongoing conflict. These operations targeted Hezbollah positions, tunnels, and weapons storage sites. According to IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, Israeli special forces have conducted around 70 small raids that destroyed key Hezbollah infrastructure, including underground bunkers and advanced Iranian-made weapons.
Since last night, Israeli Ground Forces have Advanced several Kilometers into Southern Lebanon from a Series of Points along the Border; with Soldiers from the 98th Paratroopers Division leading the Offensive, as Heavy Fighting is reported in the vicinity of roughly 28 Towns. pic.twitter.com/nv0GsQoXos
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 1, 2024
Hagari added that the IDF’s primary focus is on the areas along the Lebanese border, not a broader campaign deeper into Lebanon. He stressed that the operations would continue until displaced Israeli civilians near the northern border could safely return to their homes.
The IDF stated that thousands of Hezbollah and Palestinian terrorists were positioned along the Lebanon border, preparing to launch an assault into Israel’s Galilee region. Hezbollah’s plan, reportedly devised by the group’s late leader, Imad Mughniyeh, aimed to capture Israeli territories and take hostages, targeting areas where the group holds topographical advantages.
Since the war began, the IDF has launched dozens of covert operations near the Lebanon border, targeting Hezbollah’s terror network.
Our soldiers uncovered underground tunnels, weapons caches, and advanced Iranian-made arms.
Check out the footage of what was found below: pic.twitter.com/pg5BQV9Roh
— Yaki Lopez🎗️ (@YakiLopez) October 1, 2024
Hezbollah has denied the extent of Israeli ground incursions, describing them as “lies,” while also confirming it had retaliated by firing dozens of rockets into Israel, including strikes aimed at the Mossad headquarters and a military base near Tel Aviv.
Hezbollah’s spokesperson, Mohamed Afif, warned that this missile fire was “only the beginning” of the group’s response, and their fighters were prepared for direct confrontations with Israeli forces entering Lebanese territory. The UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) confirmed that Israeli forces have conducted sporadic raids across the border but have not launched a full-scale invasion.
Israeli officials have described the current ground operations as “limited” and “localized,” aiming to dismantle Hezbollah’s immediate threats along the border. The raids, according to Israeli security officials, have not yet led to direct clashes between the IDF and Hezbollah fighters, but tensions remain high as both sides continue to prepare for potential confrontations.
IDF footage claiming to show targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near Lebanon border. pic.twitter.com/yP2oDwSTny
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2024
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