Israel's military has officially begun its long-anticipated ground invasion into Lebanon, launching "limited" operations against Hezbollah targets along the border. In a statement, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that troops have started "limited, localised, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence." These operations are aimed at eliminating threats posed by Hezbollah to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

The military's efforts are bolstered by air force and artillery support, which are conducting "precise strikes" to assist ground forces. Reports from local residents in the Lebanese town of Aita al-Shaab indicate heavy shelling and the presence of helicopters and drones overhead, while flares were observed illuminating the night sky over Rmeish, a border town in Lebanon.

On Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had informed local council heads in northern Israel that the next phase of military action would soon commence. This operation is part of a broader strategy to facilitate the return of Israelis who have sought refuge from Hezbollah's rocket fire during nearly a year of persistent border conflict. The renewed ground invasion signifies an escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iranian-backed militants, which initially erupted following a deadly attack by the Palestinian group Hamas nearly a year ago. This situation poses risks of further involvement from the US and Iran.

The escalation follows Israel's recent operations, including the destruction of booby-trapped Hezbollah communications and a two-week-long series of airstrikes. The IDF has notably targeted key Hezbollah leaders, culminating in the death of Hassan Nasrallah, marking one of the most significant blows to the group in decades. However, these military actions have come at a high cost, with reports indicating the death of approximately 1,000 civilians and the displacement of one million people in Lebanon, as stated by the Lebanese government.

In the past 24 hours alone, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in at least 95 deaths and 172 injuries across Lebanon's southern regions, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and Beirut. Notably, strikes targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, leading to significant destruction and prompting evacuation warnings from the Israeli military for residents living near Hezbollah infrastructure.

In response to the escalating violence, Hezbollah's deputy leader Naim Qassem delivered a public address stating that "the resistance forces are ready for a ground engagement." He emphasized that Hezbollah has continued to launch rockets into Israeli territory, indicating a commitment to respond to Israeli actions. Qassem recalled the prolonged nature of conflict, asserting that "we know that the battle may be long. We will win as we won in the liberation of 2006," referencing the last major conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Late Monday night, reports indicated that Lebanese troops had pulled back approximately five kilometers from their positions along the southern border, though a Lebanese army spokesperson did not confirm this movement. As tensions continue to rise, both sides appear to be preparing for a drawn-out confrontation that could have significant implications for regional stability.

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