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Israel has reportedly launched a ground invasion in southern Lebanon, describing it as “limited, localized, and targeted” raids against Hezbollah.
According to the BBC, Lebanese civilians have been warned against using vehicles to travel south across the Litani River, located 20 miles north of the Israel-Lebanon border.
Residents in approximately 25 villages have been instructed to evacuate and move north.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the operation targets the Iran-backed group’s “infrastructure,” which it deems an “immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.”
Read more: Iran launches missile attack on Israel amid rising tensions
An Israeli senior security official informed the BBC that ground forces have only advanced a “very close walking distance” into Lebanon, but Hezbollah has denied any incursions.
Hezbollah claims its fighters are “ready for a direct confrontation,” although there have been no direct clashes reported, a claim supported by an Israeli source.
The militant group also asserted that it fired at the headquarters of Mossad, Israel’s intelligence service, in Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon continue.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, had previously indicated that the military was prepared for a ground operation, stating to troops near the Lebanese border that they were ready to use forces “from the air, sea, and land” against Hezbollah.
In a statement posted on X at 02:00 local time on Tuesday, the IDF confirmed that troops had crossed the border following a build-up of tanks and other armor in northern Israel.
The Lebanese army was reportedly pulling back its troops stationed on the southern border to at least 5 kilometers (3 miles) north, according to a Lebanese security source cited by Reuters.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, stated that the country is facing “one of the most dangerous phases” in its history, with around one million people displaced across Lebanon since Israeli airstrikes began last month.
During a meeting with United Nations organizations, Mikati issued an “urgent call” for increased aid to support those affected.
The IDF’s Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, has listed the 25 villages in southern Lebanon, instructing residents to evacuate immediately.
He added that “any home used by Hezbollah for its military needs is expected to be targeted.”
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