Hezbollah denies claims of Israeli troops entering Lebanon
An Israeli tank maneuvers, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, near the Israel-Gaza Border, in southern Israel, May 7, 2024. (Reuters Photo)
Hezbollah announced Tuesday that Israeli troops have not yet crossed into Lebanese territory, warning that the strikes on Tel Aviv earlier in the day were merely the beginning.
Mohammad Afif, head of Hezbollah’s media office, stated in a written message to Reuters that while Hezbollah has not engaged in direct ground clashes with Israeli forces, it is prepared to do so.
This announcement followed the Israeli military’s report of launching ground operations targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari confirmed that these limited ground operations are supported by air and artillery forces and will continue alongside the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Heavy clashes continue in southern Lebanon
The Israeli army reported intense fighting in southern Lebanon on Tuesday morning. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that “the next phase” of the conflict would begin soon, following clashes along the Blue Line.
After Gallant’s remarks, Israeli forces, including tanks and artillery units, moved toward the Lebanese border.
The Israeli military also confirmed that these operations were part of pre-ground operation exercises targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
However, an Israeli security official told Reuters that a large-scale ground operation targeting Beirut is not currently planned.
Hezbollah launches attacks on northern Israel
Hezbollah conducted rocket and artillery attacks on the northern Israeli areas of Shetula, Metula, and Avivim.
The group stated the strikes aimed to support Palestinian resistance in Gaza and defend the Lebanese people.
According to Hezbollah’s report, artillery fire hit Israeli soldiers near the entrance of Shetula, and rockets were aimed at mobile Israeli troops in Metula.
Lebanon in crisis
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed grave concern, stating that Lebanon is facing one of the “most dangerous phases” in its history.
As Israeli air and ground operations intensify, evacuation warnings have been issued for the southern suburbs of Beirut and Israel has announced the commencement of its ground offensive in Lebanon.
Air raid alerts were issued in northern Israeli cities such as Safed, with additional warnings reported in other border towns.
These alerts remained active throughout the night in northern Israel.
