BEIRUT, Lebanon — Israeli troops have entered southern Lebanon, marking the beginning of a ground offensive aimed at Hezbollah‘s infrastructure, Israel’s military confirmed early Monday, September 30, 2024.
The Israel Defense Forces, IDF, indicated that the invasion targets Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group that has been launching continuous rocket and drone attacks on Israel, leading to mass evacuations in northern Israel.
In a statement, the IDF said, “The IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.”
Israeli officials have accused Hezbollah, along with Hamas, of using civilians as human shields, complicating efforts to avoid civilian casualties.
Evacuation warnings have been issued to residents of Beirut’s suburbs, with reports of airstrikes in Syria’s capital, Damascus, killing three civilians, according to Syrian authorities.
Israel’s military has made it clear that its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon will not detract from its fight against other Iran-linked forces in the region, including Hamas and Iranian militias in Syria.
Widespread Destruction and Humanitarian Crisis
The escalation of conflict in Lebanon has resulted in widespread devastation.
Since Israel began increasing military pressure on Hezbollah last month, more than 1,000 people have been killed, and 1 million have been displaced across Lebanon, according to local authorities.
However, the exact death toll and the number of combatants involved remain unverified.
Hezbollah continues to fight in support of Hamas, despite the assassination of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in late September by Israeli forces.
The group has vowed to appoint a new leader and continue its fight against Israel.
Broader Regional Tensions
The invasion of Lebanon is part of a broader Israeli strategy to combat Iranian influence in the region.
Israel has accused Iran of backing militant groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, positioning the conflict as part of a wider struggle against Tehran’s regional influence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran that “nowhere in the Middle East is beyond Israel’s reach,” reiterating that Israel’s conflict is with the Iranian regime and its proxies, not the Iranian people.
Amid heightened security concerns, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly been moved to a secure location, fearing retaliation following the assassination of Nasrallah.
Netanyahu emphasised Israel’s desire for peace, stating, “Israel yearns for peace. Israel has made peace and will make peace again.”
Despite these declarations, the unfolding situation suggests the conflict is far from over.
International concerns are growing that the violence could spread beyond Israel and Lebanon, threatening stability across the Middle East and further impacting global affairs.
