The Israeli military confirmed last night that its forces have commenced a ground invasion of Lebanon, raising concerns of a potential full-scale war in the Middle East.
Following a tense day in the conflict-ridden region, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reported initiating ‘localised and targeted raids’ on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
The military stated that these operations target villages near the border, which pose an immediate threat to northern Israeli communities.
The IDF’s incursion, named ‘Operation Northern Arrows’, will proceed based on ongoing situational assessments, alongside combat operations in Gaza and other areas.
Initiation of on the ground operations
Nearly a year after Hamas’ attacks on October 7, the ground assault began, with hundreds of Israeli tanks and foot soldiers backed by intensified air strikes.
Images showed rockets and bombs illuminating the sky, while artillery fire resounded in villages close to the Israel-Lebanon border.
The ground deployment marks a significant escalation in Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah, which sees its leadership decimated by recent airstrikes.
Syrian state media confirmed the death of a television presenter in an Israeli airstrike on Damascus amid the violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran, which backs both Hamas and Hezbollah, stating Israel would go anywhere in the Middle East to protect its people and country.
The UK urged its nationals to leave Lebanon immediately, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy warning of potential major escalation.
The US was informed beforehand about Israel’s ‘limited operations’ focusing on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.
Israeli border control
The invasion reportedly forced Lebanese troops to retreat three miles from their southern border positions.
Explosions were heard overnight along the border, with hundreds of Israeli tanks prepared for the ground invasion. Fires and smoke were seen across Lebanon.
Hezbollah claims to have targeted Israeli soldiers near the Lebanese border.
The Lebanese health ministry reported 95 deaths and 172 injuries from Israeli strikes. Israel noted around ten rockets were fired from Lebanon, with some intercepted and others landing in open areas.
The Israeli army declared three northern communities as a ‘closed military zone’, indicating the possibility of further troop deployments to combat Iran-backed militants.
Residents in southern Beirut were ordered to evacuate immediately due to proximity to Hezbollah facilities, which the IDF vowed to target forcefully.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut on Friday, further escalating tensions.
Evacuation of foreign nationals
David Lammy highlighted the fast-moving situation and the urgent need for British nationals to leave Lebanon. The UK Government chartered a commercial flight from Beirut for British nationals and their families, prioritising vulnerable individuals.
The ground invasion could mark the first significant ground combat between Israel and Hezbollah since their 34-day war in 2006. The conflict has displaced tens of thousands of people in both countries.
Hezbollah vows to continue its attacks on Israel until achieving a cease-fire in Gaza. Despite the heavy losses, acting leader Naim Kassem stated that Hezbollah fighters are ready for a ground battle.
Israel has restricted entry and exit from northern communities due to the imminent threat, and heavily reinforced its forces along the Lebanon border.
Israeli strikes have killed Nasrallah and several top commanders in recent days, hitting thousands of militant targets across Lebanon. Over 1,000 people, including many women and children, have been killed in the past two weeks.
The UK government is chartering a flight to help British nationals who want to leave Lebanon.
If you are a British national in Lebanon, you should register your presence to receive the latest updates: https://t.co/hA1MsdTPgH pic.twitter.com/cIhoJtFJXd
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) September 30, 2024
Early Monday, an airstrike on a residential building in central Beirut killed three Palestinian militants, signalling no part of Lebanon is out of bounds for Israeli strikes.
Despite losses, Kassem assures Hezbollah’s fighters are preparing for a ground offensive. He will remain hthe acting leader until a replacement for Nasrallah is found, with expectations Hashem Safieddine will take over.
Hezbollah’s capabilities are uncertain after significant losses. The group’s recent rocket attacks have largely been intercepted or fallen in open areas. Israeli intelligence may have penetrated Hezbollah’s highest levels.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at a ground operation, stating that Israel would use all available capabilities.
European response to the invasion
🇫🇮🇮🇱‼️🚨 The Finnish president Stubb essentially confirms the story:
“Netanyahu said he would accept the ceasefire proposal with Lebanon, but upon arriving in New York his rhetoric became completely different,”
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) September 29, 2024
Several European countries began evacuating their citizens from Lebanon. Germany and Bulgaria sent planes to evacuate diplomats and vulnerable groups.
Israel has frequently targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, including the strike that killed Nasrallah. Monday’s strike killed members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
Hamas announced its top commander in Lebanon, Fatah Sharif, was killed in an airstrike on the Al-Buss refugee camp in Tyre. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees confirmed Sharif was an employee on administrative leave.
Hezbollah started firing rockets into northern Israel following Hamas’ attack from Gaza. Israel responded with airstrikes in Lebanon, escalating the conflict over the past year.
The Lebanese government estimates up to a million people are experiencing displacement, while the UN estimates 200,000. Tens of thousands of Israelis are also experiencing displacement. Israel has vowed to continue fighting until its citizens can safely return home.
Calls for a cease-fire
The US and its allies have called for a cease-fire to prevent further escalation, but Netanyahu has shown little interest, focusing on military achievements against Hezbollah.
France also called for a cease-fire, urging both Israel and Hezbollah to halt their attacks.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati committed to an immediate cease-fire followed by the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, in line with a UN Security Council resolution.
Hezbollah, viewed as a powerful militant group and a key partner to Iran, has never faced such an intense onslaught. The conflict began with a sophisticated attack on Hezbollah’s communications in mid-September, causing significant casualties among fighters and civilians.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Times of Israel reports on Israeli troops’ pre-invasion forays into Lebanon, focusing on their entries into Hezbollah tunnels in a bid to assess strategic readiness and potential for wider military action. (Read more)
- Sky News Australia reports Israel’s fresh warning of an imminent ground invasion in Lebanon amid escalating tensions and heavy artillery fire, with targeted ground raids and airstrikes launched against Hezbollah targets. (Read more)
- CNN reports Israel’s escalation against Hezbollah, including airstrikes and a limited ground operation in Lebanon, causing significant civilian casualties and displacement, amid calls for a ceasefire and escalating regional tensions. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Did Israel launch a ground invasion of Lebanon?
Yes, the Israeli military confirmed a ground invasion of Lebanon.
Why did Israel invade Lebanon?
Israel targeted Hezbollah, posing an immediate threat to Israeli communities.
What is Operation Northern Arrows?
Operation Northern Arrows is the IDF’s ground offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
What did Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu say about Iran?
Netanyahu warned Iran that Israel could reach any part of the Middle East to protect its people.
Are British nationals evacuating from Lebanon?
Yes, the UK Government has chartered a flight to evacuate British nationals.
