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(TJV) The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began a ground invasion into southern Lebanon late Monday night, marking the first major incursion into the country since 2006. The operation was led by Division 98, under Brig. Gen. Guy Levi, along with the elite Egoz commando unit, the Paratroopers, and Brigade 7 of the Tank Corps. Division 98 previously played a crucial role in dismantling Hamas forces in Khan Yunis from December 2023 to March 2024.
Lt. Col. “A,” the commander of the Egoz unit, addressed his troops before the invasion, stating, “We have a great honor to write history in the North just like we did in Gaza… we are starting a more substantial invasion in order to return the northern residents to their homes. This is a significant matter because we have not invaded Lebanon since 2006.”
In the early hours of Tuesday, the IDF confirmed its troops had entered southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions based on precise intelligence. The military announced a “methodical plan” had been set by the General Staff and the Northern Command, for which soldiers had been training extensively.
Hezbollah is the enemy of both Israel and Lebanon. Please listen to my Lebanese friend and follow us: @LizaRosen0000 & @Jonathan_Elk https://t.co/beSrFNMqDm
— Liza Rosen (@LizaRosen0000) October 1, 2024
Reports from Arabic media outlets such as Al-Jazeera and MTV Lebanon claimed that IDF tanks entered several villages in southern Lebanon shortly after the ground offensive began. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed that the operations were limited and focused on targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.
This operation follows mounting tensions between Israel and Hezbollah since the onset of the Israel-Hamas War. The IDF has intensified strikes on Hezbollah positions, including an airstrike that killed Hezbollah’s former Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah last Friday. Additionally, IDF forces have recently neutralized several senior Hezbollah commanders and destroyed missile warehouses threatening Israel’s northern regions.
Israel Defense Forces Statement On Targeted Operations in Lebanon#Israel #Lebanon #hezbullah #Netanyahu #IDF pic.twitter.com/yiuQW2MffG
— Voice of Bharat (@voicebharat9) October 1, 2024
US President Joe Biden and other American officials had warned of the potential invasion, which now seems to be moving forward more rapidly than anticipated. Despite some initial concerns about a heavy Hezbollah retaliation, IDF sources indicate that the group’s ability to strike Israel has been significantly weakened in recent weeks.
Israel has assigned soldiers and commanders who fought in Gaza to Lebanon.
Col. Elad Tsuri, who last night led troops in the operation against Lebanon, commanded a brigade that captured the southern parts of Gaza City in November 2023.
Photo: Colonel Elad Tsuri during the… pic.twitter.com/v0hxoLrTGj
— Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2024
While the operation is still unfolding, Israel maintains that its aim is to eliminate Hezbollah’s ability to threaten its northern border towns, thereby restoring peace and security to the region.
