Israel’s military initiated limited ground operations against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon early Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two adversaries.
Dubbed “Operation Northern Arrows,” the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that the raids targeted villages close to the Israel-Lebanon border, which they claim posed “an immediate threat” to communities in northern Israel.
“Our ground forces, supported by precise air force and artillery strikes, are conducting targeted operations against Hezbollah infrastructure,” said an IDF spokesperson, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the ongoing operations.
Residents in the Lebanese border town of Aita al-Shaab reported heavy shelling and the presence of helicopters and drones. Flares repeatedly illuminated the night sky over the Lebanese town of Rmeish, indicating ongoing military activity.
The State Department confirmed that Israel had informed the United States about these operations. Spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters, “This is what they have informed us that they are currently conducting, which are limited operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.”
This development comes a day after Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, stated that “the resistance forces are ready for a ground engagement,” suggesting the group anticipated such a move from Israel.
The raids mark a potential turning point in the conflict, reminiscent of the 2006 Lebanon War, which began after a Hezbollah cross-border raid. However, the current operations appear more limited in scope, focusing on specific targets rather than a full-scale invasion.
These actions are part of a broader conflict stretching across the region, involving Iran-backed groups in Yemen and Iraq, raising fears of a wider war that could draw in the United States and Iran.
