Israel initiated a ground invasion of Lebanon early Tuesday, conducting “limited, localized, and targeted” raids against Hezbollah positions near the border. The Israeli military stated these raids were aimed at Hezbollah forces that posed an “immediate threat” to northern Israeli communities. Supported by air force and artillery strikes, Israeli ground troops targeted southern Lebanese villages close to the border.
Heavy shelling and the presence of helicopters and drones were reported in the border towns of Aita al-Shaab and Rmeish, with flares lighting up the night sky. Local residents confirmed the intensity of the strikes. This invasion marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, with broader implications for the Middle East.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had earlier indicated the start of a new phase in the conflict along Lebanon’s southern border, aimed at restoring security to Israeli citizens displaced by nearly a year of Hezbollah rocket attacks. This conflict was initially triggered by an assault on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which has since drawn in Hezbollah and risks involving both the U.S. and Iran.
Strikes Expand Beyond Hezbollah The Israeli military also carried out a strike targeting Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, in the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp. This was the first strike on the camp since hostilities began between Hezbollah and Israel nearly a year ago. The attack, which struck a building in the camp, left Maqdah’s fate unknown.
Meanwhile, in Syria, an Israeli airstrike killed three civilians in the capital Damascus, marking Israel’s intensified air raids on Iranian-linked targets in the region.
Death Toll Mounts As of Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed approximately 1,000 civilians and forced one million people to flee, according to Lebanese government figures. Recent strikes have also targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs, killing 95 people and injuring 172 others within the past 24 hours, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
Hezbollah has continued its rocket attacks, firing as deep as 150 km into Israeli territory. The group’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, stated that Hezbollah forces are prepared for ground engagement and vowed to prevail, referencing their victory in the 2006 conflict.
U.S. Response and Ceasefire Proposals While the White House has yet to officially respond to Israel’s ground invasion, U.S. President Joe Biden called for a ceasefire on Monday, expressing concern over the intensifying conflict. Last week, Israel rejected a ceasefire proposal from the U.S. and France that aimed to provide a 21-day pause for diplomatic negotiations and to allow displaced civilians to return home.