Israeli soldiers cross the border into Lebanon for small and limited operations. There are increasing signs that it won’t stay that way.
On Monday, Israel’s armed forces declared areas in the north of the country a restricted military zone and advanced into Lebanese territory in their first small-scale operations. It was initially unclear whether Israel was setting the course for a possible ground offensive against Hezbollah.
US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Israel had informed the US of limited operations against Hezbollah positions near the border. There were initially no reports of direct exchanges of fire between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli soldiers. They would be the first since the war in 2006.
Lebanon’s army withdraws from the border area with Israel
Israel and Hezbollah have been firing rockets and artillery at the other side of the border since the Gaza war began almost a year ago. An Israeli ground offensive would be a further escalation in the conflict, which had escalated dramatically in recent days. Israel killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in air strikes.
In view of the possible Israeli ground offensive, the Lebanese army has withdrawn soldiers from the border, according to military sources. No specific numbers or locations from which the soldiers were withdrawn were given.
More air strikes on Beirut’s suburbs
Meanwhile, the Israeli Air Force again bombed targets in a southern suburb of the Lebanese capital Beirut on Monday. At least seven heavy explosions were heard in the evening. Black clouds of smoke rose over the area near the international airport.
The Israeli military also continued its attacks in the south and east of the country, saying it was bombing targets of the Shiite militia Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Lebanese Ministry of Health said late on Monday evening that almost 100 people had been killed and more than 170 others injured within 24 hours. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and militant members of Hezbollah.
Western allies informed about Lebanon mission
A Western diplomat in Cairo, whose country is directly involved in de-escalation efforts, said an Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon was imminent. Israel informed the US and other Western allies about this and emphasized that it was a limited operation. Hezbollah chief Nasrallah’s interim successor, Naim Kassim, said his fighters were prepared for a ground offensive and ready to defend Lebanon.
The US Department of Defense announced that it would send additional air forces to the Middle East. Several thousand soldiers were supposed to ensure security in the region – and if necessary, defend Israel.
Source: Stern
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