Israeli ground forces invaded southern Lebanon on Monday evening, the Israeli army confirmed, sparking a significant escalation of the country's conflict with Hezbollah militias that has been simmering for weeks.
“In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, the IDF initiated limited, localized and targeted ground attacks a few hours ago based on accurate intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon,” the IDF confirmed in a statement. The military said these were located in villages close to the border with Israel.
“The IDF is operating according to a methodical plan established by the General Staff and Northern Command and for which IDF soldiers have been training and preparing in recent months,” the statement continued.
The country's air force and artillery are also supporting the incursion with targeted strikes in the region. The IDF said the operation in Lebanon will continue “in parallel with the fighting in Gaza and in other arenas.”
“The IDF continues to operate to achieve the objectives of the war and is doing whatever is necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes,” the report said.
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