Israel Prepares Expanded Ground Operations in Lebanon to Target Hezbollah

Israel is preparing to expand its ground operations in Lebanon, aiming to seize territory south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure.

“Live: Latest update on the war in Iran”

El Mundo

The Israeli military intends to replicate tactics used in Gaza, targeting buildings and facilities they claim are used by Hezbollah to store weapons and launch attacks.

El Mundo

The objective is to take control of territory and push Hezbollah forces northward from the border.

The IDF has maintained three armored and infantry divisions along the Lebanese border since the onset of the Iran war.

On Friday, the IDF announced the deployment of additional reinforcements and mobilization of reserves to prepare for the expanded ground operation.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem responded to the planned Israeli offensive by criticizing Lebanon's diplomatic efforts and reaffirming the group's stance on armed resistance.

Qassem warned that any Israeli ground invasion would fall into one of their traps.

Kurdistan24

The escalating conflict has caused massive civilian displacement and casualties.

Approximately 800,000 Lebanese civilians have been displaced and at least 773 have been killed, according to reports.

Israeli attacks have caused at least 850 deaths including 107 minors in Lebanon over the last two weeks, according to Lebanese authorities.

Hezbollah has fired over 1,000 projectiles and drones against Israel in response.

The group justifies its participation in the war by bringing Lebanon into the regional conflict in support of Iran after being attacked by Israel and the United States.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who harshly criticized Hezbollah for its first attack two weeks ago and Israel for its intense military response, is working through diplomatic channels to end the conflict.

“The IDF is reinforcing forces along the border with Lebanon and at strategic positions deeper inside Lebanese territory as it prepares for the possibility of expanding operations in southern Lebanon, according to the military”

Ynetnews

The conflict has displaced almost a million people in Lebanon.

International mediation efforts led by France, the United States, and Saudi Arabia are emerging as key players in negotiating a ceasefire.

The process is centered on the disarmament of the pro-Iranian Lebanese group, similar to the November 2024 truce agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed former minister Ron Dermer to lead contacts with Lebanon.

Officials in Washington and Paris are working to arrange direct meetings between representatives of Israel and the Lebanese government.

The IDF has established forward positions approximately 7 to 9 kilometers inside Lebanese territory.

The area of control could potentially expand as military discussions continue about establishing a 'sterile zone' in southern Lebanon.

El Mundo

Military officials identify three primary threats: cross-border raids by Hezbollah's Radwan force, direct fire on border communities, and continued launches of rockets, missiles and drones.

The IDF has struck Lebanese infrastructure including the Azzariyeh Bridge over the Litani River.

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated 'this is only the beginning' and suggested additional infrastructure could be targeted.

Israeli officials assess that Hezbollah is currently in a weakened position and facing severe financial difficulties.

The group's capabilities are directly tied to developments in Iran.

The escalation in Lebanon represents a volatile spillover of the broader regional conflict involving Iran.

“Israel Prepares Expanded Ground Operations in Lebanon to Target Hezbollah Israel is deploying additional forces and preparing for an expanded ground campaign to control southern Lebanese territory and dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, while Lebanon’s government remains engaged in diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, Axios reported”

Kurdistan24

Developments in the coming days are expected to shape the situation along the northern front.

Kurdistan24

Hezbollah warns it is prepared for a long confrontation whether in the air with missiles and drones or on land against Israeli soldiers.

The IDF maintains that preparations to expand operations in Lebanon will continue regardless of diplomatic contacts.

Options range from Israeli occupation of large areas of southern Lebanon to a historic agreement normalizing relations.

Combat aircraft and missiles currently dominate on both sides of the border.