Israel Begins “Limited” Invasion Of Lebanon
Israeli troops crossed into southern Lebanon late Monday night in what the Israel Defense Forces say are “limited, localized, and targeted” raids intended to destroy Hezbollah targets capable of mounting cross-border attacks into northern Israel.
The IDF identified two of the units that have moved into Lebanon as the 98th Paratrooper Brigade, and tanks of the 7th Brigade. Both units have seen combat in the Gaza Strip, participating in combat in Khan Yunis prior to being redeployed to northern Israel ahead of the invasion.
Rumors that an Israeli ground invasion had begun started circulating Monday night following reports of Israeli shelling of Lebanese towns near the border. Reuters also reported that Lebanese Army troops had been seen withdrawing from their positions near the border.
The Israeli Air Force had continued its campaign of airstrikes on Hezbollah facilities in Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahieh earlier that night, while Syrian state television accused Israel of an airstrike in Damascus that killed three civilians, including a state television presenter.
In a statement confirming the move into southern Lebanon, the IDF said:
“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 IDF is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command which IDF soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months.
The Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery are supporting the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area.
These operations were approved and carried out in accordance with the decision of the political echelon.
Operation “Northern Arrows” will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas.
The IDF is continuing to operate to achieve the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes.”
A video statement was subsequently shared on social media:
The Pentagon announced that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had discussed the invasion in a call with Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant, with a readout stating that they “agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel’s northern communities”.
Austin reaffirmed that “a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border”, with Austin and Gallant also discussing “the importance of ultimately pivoting from military operations to a diplomatic pathway to provide security and stability as soon as feasible”.