Operation 'Northern Arrows': Israel begins ground invasion in Lebanon, eye on Hezbollah strongholds

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday initiated a ground invasion into southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah's military infrastructure in villages near the Israel-Lebanon border.

The IDF said that they have begun crossing the border to target sites that "pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel."

Israel Hezbollah War: Follow live updates

In a post on X, the IDF said, "In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel. The IDF is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command which IDF soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months."



The operations were approved and carried out in line with the decision of the political leadership. The IDF said that Operation "Northern Arrows" will continue based on situational assessments and will be conducted in parallel with combat in Gaza and other areas.



"The IDF is continuing to operate to achieve the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes," IDF said.

Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant had said on Monday that the next phase of the war along Lebanon's southern border would commence soon. The ground invasion comes after two weeks of intense airstrikes across Lebanon that have resulted in hundreds of casualties.

According to officials, the invasion plans involve operating in a narrow strip of land along the northern side of the border. Small groups of commandos, supported by air cover and artillery shells fired from Israel, will make up the invasion force. In response, Hezbollah has pledged to confront Israeli troops if they launch a full-scale invasion.



Sheikh Naim Kassem, deputy to Hezbollah's slain leader, Hassan Nasrallah, stated in a televised address, "We will confront any possibility, and we are ready if the Israelis decide to enter by land. The forces of the resistance are ready for a ground engagement."

In his first public speech since Nasrallah's death, Hezbollah's deputy leader Naim Qassem reiterated that "the resistance forces are ready for a ground engagement." He mentioned that Hezbollah had been firing rockets as far as 150 km (93 miles) into Israeli territory.



Qassem acknowledged that the battle might be prolonged but expressed confidence in Hezbollah's victory, drawing parallels to their success in the 2006 conflict.