Israel prepares for short ground offensive against Hezbollah

An Israeli security official stated on Friday that a potential ground operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon is expected to be “as brief as possible,” according to a report from The Times of Israel.

Speaking anonymously, the official emphasized, “Our goal is to keep this operation short. We are actively preparing for it every day, and it’s definitely an option in our strategy.”

In recent days, Israeli officials have suggested the possibility of launching a ground offensive in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli army, for its part, said in a statement, “As part of increasing the level of readiness in the northern arena, two reserve brigades have been mobilized for combat as part of the northern campaign in recent days.”

“After fulfilling operational duties along the northern border during the conflict, the Sixth and 228th Reserve Brigades, along with several additional reserve battalions, have been mobilized to sustain combat efforts, target Hezbollah’s military capabilities, and ensure safe conditions for residents of northern Israel to return home,” the statement added.

Israel has pounded Lebanon since Monday morning, killing over 700 people and injuring nearly 2,200 others, according to figures released by the Lebanese Health Ministry.

The ministry also said that the death toll in Lebanon since last October has increased to 1,540, while more than 77,000 have been displaced from southern and eastern parts of the country.

Hezbollah, Israel escalate cross-border warfare

Hezbollah and Israel have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the start of Israel’s war on Gaza, which has killed more than 41,500 people, mostly women and children, since Oct. 7.

The international community has warned against the strikes on Lebanon, as they raise the specter of turning the Gaza conflict into a regional war.