Israeli forces launched ground raids inside Lebanon on Tuesday, marking the beginning of anticipated ground operations after two weeks of intense airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s command structures and weapons depots.
The Israeli military announced that the operations, initiated Monday night, involved elite paratroopers and commandos from the 98th division, previously stationed in Gaza. These troops were deployed to the northern front, focusing on what Israel described as “limited, localized, and targeted ground raids” in southern Lebanese villages that allegedly posed an immediate threat to Israeli communities near the border.
The raids were backed by Israeli air force and artillery support, while Hezbollah, Iran’s key proxy in the region, continued to face heavy Israeli bombardment. Lebanon’s health ministry reported at least 95 people killed and 172 injured over the past 24 hours in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut.
Israel’s strikes come days after it assassinated Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, a major blow to the group, which has grown into Lebanon’s dominant military and political force. Despite the success, Israel has indicated that it may escalate the operation further to facilitate the return of citizens who evacuated northern Israel due to Hezbollah rocket attacks.
A Lebanese security source confirmed Israeli units crossed the border for reconnaissance and probing missions, while Lebanese troops reportedly pulled back from border positions. The Lebanese army, which has remained on the sidelines in recent conflicts with Israel, has not engaged in fighting.
The ground operations in Lebanon signal a significant escalation, potentially drawing in regional powers like the U.S. and Iran into the conflict between Israel and Iran-backed forces.
