Israeli special forces have reportedly carried out small-scale raids into southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions. The operations, confirmed by the Wall Street Journal , involve entering Hezbollah’s extensive network of tunnels along the Israel-Lebanon border. The raids are believed to be part of an effort to gather intelligence and disrupt Hezbollah’s military infrastructure ahead of a possible ground invasion by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
According to military sources, the IDF has been preparing for a broader military campaign against Hezbollah, though the scale of the operation remains uncertain. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at imminent military actions, stating that the “next phase of the war against Hezbollah will begin soon.” The targeted raids involved small groups of elite Israeli commandos, and focused on neutralizing Hezbollah’s tunnel network, which has played a large role in its defensive strategy.
A U.S. official, speaking to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that Israeli forces are preparing for a “limited” ground operation. The official noted that these operations would likely target Hezbollah’s military positions close to the border with the objective of pushing the militant group’s forces further away from Israeli territory.
3:50 pm EST: Conflicting reports have circulated stating that Israel has launched their ground offensive into southern Lebanon. At roughly 3pm EST time, reports from Al-Arabiya stated residents reported Israeli tanks crossing into Lebanon. Roughly 30 minutes later the report was retracted, with Hezbollah affiliated media stating no operation occurred. As of 4pm EST, varying reports from local residents and unnamed sources claimed contradictory information regarding movement on the ground.
4:00 pm EST: IDF Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated, “In recent hours there have been many reports and rumors about IDF activity on the Lebanese border. We ask not to transmit reports about the activities of the forces, due to the security of our forces. Stick to the official reports only and do not spread irresponsible rumors.”
4:20 pm EST: Videos began to circulate of IDF jets flying low across Southern Lebanon, with unconfirmed videos appearing to show strikes in the region. Shortly thereafter, strikes were reported and captured on Beirut once again.
7:00 pm EST: The IDF confirmed a limited ground offensive dubbed ‘Operation Northern Arrows,’ stating that it involved ‘limited, localized, and targeted ground raids… against Hezbollah terrorist targets.’ The IDF further stated that Operation Northern Arrows follows a methodical plan developed by the General Staff and Northern Command, supported by precise air and artillery strikes.
#Lebanon / #Palestine / #Israel 🇱🇧🇵🇸🇮🇱: #IDF carried out multiple airstrikes againsr various locations in the city of #Beirut. pic.twitter.com/ic2voixAUV
— War Noir (@war_noir) September 30, 2024
The Lebanese army has begun pulling back from several positions along the southern border with Israel. Unlike Hezbollah, the Lebanese army operates under the authority of the Lebanese government and has not been actively involved in the ongoing hostilities with Israel. According to local citizens and security sources cited by Reuters, the army has withdrawn to larger bases located at least five kilometers north of the border.
#Lebanon / #Palestine / #Israel 🇱🇧🇵🇸🇮🇱: Lebanese Armed Forces (#LAF) has left its positions in the south of the country. pic.twitter.com/tWpy2gina7
— War Noir (@war_noir) September 30, 2024
Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, has publicly stated that the group is prepared for any Israeli ground invasion. In a recent speech, Qassem claimed that Hezbollah had only used a small portion of its military capabilities in the ongoing conflict. The militant group continues to launch rocket attacks into northern Israel, while Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah positions across southern Lebanon.
Hizbullah Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem following Nasrallah’s Assassination: Hizbullah Is Continuing with Its Goals and Jihad; Israel Will Not Be Able to Harm Our Military Capabilities; We Will Elect a New Secretary-General at the Earliest Opportunity pic.twitter.com/hqh9H9T1c6
— MEMRI (@MEMRIReports) September 30, 2024
On Monday, the Israeli military intensified airstrikes in Lebanon, with reports of attacks in the southern city of Tyre and parts of Beirut. Lebanese sources report over 1,000 fatalities and more than a million people displaced by Israeli strikes in recent weeks. The Israeli military has not officially confirmed its casualty estimates.
The IDF has reportedly moved additional infantry and armored units to the northern border with Lebanon, with several reserve brigades mobilized. Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have been aimed at Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, including weapons depots and command centers. On Monday, Gallant addressed troops stationed near the northern border, stating that Israel would use “all its capabilities” to ensure the security of residents displaced by cross-border rocket fire.
Meanwhile, Israel has declared certain areas near the northern border, including the communities of Metula and Misgav Am, as closed military zones due to the ongoing military activity. The IDF has reported intercepting drones and projectiles launched from southern Lebanon, with no casualties reported on the Israeli side as of the latest updates.
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