The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, announced that the military is gearing up for a possible ground operation in Lebanon. Speaking to troops stationed on Israel’s northern border, he remarked, “You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day. This is to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah.” He indicated that Hezbollah had expanded its range of attacks, warning of a strong Israeli response.
Halevi emphasized that the military aims to facilitate the return of displaced citizens in northern Israel, stating, “We are preparing the process of a maneuver.”
Israel-Hezbollah War Highlights News Updates
In light of the escalating tensions, the Embassy of India in Beirut advised Indian nationals against traveling to Lebanon and recommended that those already in the country leave. They urged remaining citizens to exercise extreme caution and maintain contact with the embassy.
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Growing conflict between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah
Since mid-September, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified dramatically. Following attacks attributed to Israel that killed at least 39 people, Hezbollah retaliated with rocket fire into northern Israel. This prompted daily exchanges of fire, displacing hundreds of thousands of Israelis and causing significant civilian displacement in southern Lebanon, with over 90,000 Lebanese reportedly affected.
Recent Israeli airstrikes have resulted in over 560 Lebanese casualties, marking the deadliest escalation since the 2006 conflict. Targeted strikes have aimed at key Hezbollah leaders, including the commander of its elite unit, who was killed in a strike in Beirut.
Amid the violence, the U.S., France, and other allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire to create space for diplomacy, as fears mount over a potential all-out war. While both Israel and Hezbollah have expressed a desire to avoid further escalation, threats of intensified attacks continue.
Recent Strikes and Developments
Recently, Israel intercepted a missile targeting Tel Aviv, marking a notable escalation as it was the first projectile from Lebanon to reach central Israel. In response, the Israeli military claimed to have struck approximately 280 Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, resulting in over 70 Lebanese casualties in a single day.
What is the situation on the border?
The situation along the Israel-Lebanon border remains volatile, with ongoing exchanges of fire since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. The conflict has resulted in more than 630 deaths in Lebanon and approximately 50 in Israel, displacing tens of thousands on both sides.
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