Israeli military on Monday night began ground operations against the terrorist group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. “Israeli ground forces crossed into southern Lebanon early Tuesday,” the Associated Press reported. “Israeli artillery units pounded targets in southern Lebanon and the sounds of airstrikes were heard throughout Beirut.”
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), current ground operations are limited to Hezbollah-held border areas of southern Lebanon. “In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel,” the Israeli military said early morning Tuesday.
This is the first Israeli ground engagement in Lebanon in 18 years. Iran-backed Hezbollah renewed hostilities after Hamas’ October 7 attack, firing thousands of missiles and drones at northern Israel. Over 70,000 Israelis have been forced to flee their homes in the wake of relentless Hezbollah rocket barrages for nearly a year.
The IDF’s cross-border operation “Northern Arrows,” which began on September 23 with precision airstrikes on Hezbollah leadership and terrorist infrastructure, has now been joined by the Israel ground troops.
“The Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery are supporting the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area,” the military disclosed. “Operation “Northern Arrows” will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas.”
The Israeli military is urging the residents of bordering Lebanese villages to move northwards.
Various IDF infantry formations and special forces are taking part in the unfolding ground operations in Hezbollah-held southern Lebanon. “The IDF’s 98th Division, an elite formation of paratrooper and commando units, led the overnight ground operation in Lebanon,” The Times of Israel reported. “The division’s Paratroopers and Commando brigades were joined by the 7th Armored Brigade, after preparing for the operation in recent weeks.”
These battle-hardened units, which fought Hamas terrorists in Gaza, have been conducting combat drills for operating in the Lebanese territory. “After many months of operating in the Gaza Strip, where the soldiers of the division gained skills and operational experience, they moved north and are now operating in the northern arena after making the necessary adjustments for fighting in Lebanon,” the IDF statement said.
A senior Israeli official has accused the Biden administration of leaking the battle plan ahead of the overnight ground operation. The move by Washington put the lives of Israeli soldiers in danger, the Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported, citing the unnamed government official.
The revelation comes as President Joe Biden pushes for a ceasefire as Israel gains an upper hand on the Iran-backed terrorist group.
The Times of Israel reported Tuesday:
A senior Israeli official accuses the US of endangering IDF soldiers by leaking plans for the Israeli ground operation in Lebanon. In comments to Kan news, the official calls the leaks yesterday “dangerous,” adding that they put Israeli troops in danger.“This was done even though the US supports the operation,” says the official, “but it is clear to us that the US is worried — and therefore they outed the operation to try to limit it.”The official also says that “there will be no [diplomatic] arrangement in Lebanon before the end of the operation.”
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