Israeli ground assault reportedly begins as military vehicles advance into southern Lebanon
Smoke billows at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Nabatieh, in southern Lebanon, on September 21, 2024. (AA Photo)
Israel, reportedly, commenced a ground assault in southern Lebanon on Monday night. This escalation follows reports that Israel informed the U.S. of its plans for a limited ground operation that could begin imminently, confirmed by a U.S.
Israeli military vehicles have been spotted moving toward the Lebanese border as ground operations intensify.
Israeli cabinet approves Lebanon operation
Israeli cabinet approved on Monday a ground operation in Lebanon, according to the Israel-based media outlet Maariv daily
Meanwhile, Israel has informed the U.S. that it is currently carrying out “limited operations” against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the U.S. State Department confirmed on Monday.
State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller stated, “This is what they have informed us that they are currently conducting—limited operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.” Miller emphasized that the U.S. is actively engaged in ongoing conversations with Israeli officials regarding these actions.
When asked for further details, Miller reiterated, “I’ll let Israel speak to its own military operations,” while highlighting that the U.S. remains in close dialogue with Israel.
Eyewitnesses report military vehicles
Eyewitnesses reported a convoy heading to Abel el-Kamh, a town near the el-Vezzani border area, which has already experienced heavy Israeli artillery bombardments. Witnesses noted the sound of numerous military vehicles and reported significant fire from Israeli artillery targeting the el-Vezzani region.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at a potential ground invasion during a visit to armored units in northern Israel earlier on September 30.
The violence has resulted in over 1,200 deaths in Lebanon since hostilities escalated. The Israeli military has engaged in controlled clashes with Hezbollah since October 8, 2023, launching hundreds of airstrikes on southern Lebanese cities and the Bekaa and Baalbek regions since September 23.
Lebanese officials report that at least 1,217 people have died, including 104 children and 194 women, since Hezbollah detonated its communication devices on September 17. Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli airstrikes over Beirut on September 27.
In retaliation, Hezbollah has fired rockets and missiles at Israeli military bases, though Israeli reports indicate minimal damage from these attacks.
The ongoing bombardments have led to significant displacement within Lebanon, with hundreds of thousands forced to flee from southern regions to the capital, Beirut, and northward. Tens of thousands are also reportedly migrating to Syria amid the escalating crisis.
