The Israeli Army instructed its soldiers to prepare for a potential ground invasion of Lebanon. This follows Hezbollah’s claim of launching its largest attack yet on Israel, a response to Tuesday’s airstrikes that resulted in over 550 fatalities in Lebanon. Since last week, Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in continuous conflict, with the situation in Gaza poised for further escalation.
On Wednesday, Hezbollah launched numerous projectiles, including a missile aimed at Tel Aviv, marking the deepest strike since the Gaza war started on 7 October last year. This attack followed Israel’s extensive airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s weapon storage sites across southern and eastern Lebanon. Previously, thousands of pagers and radios exploded across Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah members, an act the Lebanese government attributed to Israel’s Mossad.
Daily skirmishes and rocket attacks have become a regular occurrence along Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. Hezbollah stated it was acting in solidarity with Palestinians enduring Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The Israeli army moves to the next phase and prepares for a ground invasion of Lebanon – The commander of the northern region
This would be a great opportunity for Hezbollah pic.twitter.com/h8puq6yPH0
— MEHMET VEFA DAG (@AFRICANDEMOC) September 25, 2024
Key updates on the situation:
1. Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi addressed northern troops, stating the airstrikes were meant to “prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah.” He warned of a strong response to Hezbollah’s expanded range of fire.
2. Despite previous indications from the Israeli military and the US that there were no plans for a ground invasion of Lebanon, recent comments suggest a shift.
3. The US informed the UN Security Council it is collaborating with partners on a temporary ceasefire plan to reduce tensions and allow residents to return to their border homes.
4. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged both sides to avoid an all-out war, calling it “disastrous” for the region and its people.
5. France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced efforts with the US for a 21-day ceasefire proposal to facilitate negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah.
6. Barrot indicated details of the proposal would be revealed soon and planned to visit Beirut by week’s end, urging both parties to accept it swiftly to protect civilians and initiate diplomatic talks.
7. Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon expressed openness to diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation and acknowledged international efforts to avoid full-scale war.
8. Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on the Security Council to ensure Israel withdraws from all occupied Lebanese territories and ceases daily violations.
9. US President Joe Biden warned of a potential all-out war, highlighting the importance of addressing ceasefires in Lebanon, the West Bank, and Gaza.
10. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, warning of escalating chaos. The UN reported that over 90,000 Lebanese have been displaced due to Israeli airstrikes within five days, with more than 200,000 displaced since the Gaza war began.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Washington Post reports escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, including a Hezbollah ballistic missile attack on Tel Aviv and Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.(read more)
- AP News reports a significant escalation in Israel-Lebanon conflict as Hezbollah launches a ballistic missile at Tel Aviv, prompting Israeli airstrikes and heightened tensions.(read more)
- CNN reports Israel’s military preparing for a possible ground invasion in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah facilities with airstrikes to dismantle their capabilities and ensure northern residents’ safe return.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Is the Israeli army preparing for a ground invasion of Lebanon?
Yes, the Israeli Army asked its soldiers to prepare for a possible ground invasion of Lebanon.
Why did Hezbollah launch its biggest strike on Israel?
Hezbollah launched its biggest strike in response to Israeli airstrikes that killed over 550 people in Lebanon.
What is the US doing to reduce tensions between Israel and Lebanon?
The US is working with partners towards a temporary ceasefire plan to reduce tensions.
How has France responded to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah?
France is working with the US on a 21-day ceasefire proposal to facilitate negotiations.
What has the UN Secretary-General said about the situation in Lebanon?
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an immediate ceasefire and warned that ‘Hell is breaking loose’.
