Key Highlights

• The Israeli military described the ground operation as "limited and localized"
• Syrian state media reported air defenses intercepting “hostile” targets near Damascus
• Flares and shelling were reported in several Lebanese border towns

Israel launched a ground operation in southern Lebanon early Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict. The Israeli military, or IDF, confirmed that the operation, concentrated near the Lebanese border, is "limited and localized," backed by air force and artillery units targeting Hezbollah positions. These positions, the IDF noted, posed immediate threats to northern Israeli communities.

The ground offensive is the latest chapter in a conflict that has seen Israel and Hezbollah engaged in months of cross-border exchanges. This operation has heightened tensions in the region, leading to concerns about a broader Middle East conflict.

Israel Ground Operations in Lebanon

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that its ground troops, including paratroopers and commandos, have crossed into southern Lebanon. The goal, according to the IDF, is to neutralize Hezbollah positions in villages near the Israeli border that pose significant threats.

“This operation is a strategic move to facilitate the return of displaced Israeli citizens to their homes in northern settlements,” an Israeli military spokesperson said. They emphasized that this is not a large-scale invasion but rather a series of precise, targeted raids on Hezbollah infrastructure.

A Broader Regional Conflict

The conflict, which has extended beyond Lebanon, is drawing in neighboring Syria. Syrian state media reported that air defenses were activated near the capital, Damascus, to intercept what were described as “hostile targets.” This term often refers to Israeli airstrikes. Syrian officials confirmed that three people, including a journalist, were killed in the attacks.

While Israel continues its operations in Lebanon, it has also escalated airstrikes in Syria, frequently targeting Iranian-backed militias and Hezbollah operations. This broadens the conflict beyond the Israel-Hezbollah fight, involving Syria and Iran, both of which support Hezbollah.

Impact on Civilians in Lebanon

Civilians have been heavily impacted by the escalating violence. On Monday, Lebanese authorities reported that 95 civilians were killed in Israeli strikes across the country. Residents of the southern town of Aita al-Shaab described heavy shelling and intense aerial activity.

In Beirut, Israeli airstrikes hit the city’s southern suburbs, widely considered Hezbollah strongholds. The strikes have forced many to flee, with residents seeking refuge outdoors or in temporary shelters. In the city of Sidon, a strike targeted Mounir Maqdah, a senior leader in the Palestinian Fatah movement. The strike hit a building in the Ain Al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp, leaving Maqdah’s fate unknown.

According to the Lebanese government, approximately one million people have been displaced since the conflict began, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact.

Hezbollah’s Response and Rocket Attacks

In response to Israel's ground operation, Hezbollah launched a new wave of rocket attacks on northern Israeli towns. On Monday, Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, made his first public address since the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s long-standing leader, by an Israeli airstrike.

“We are prepared for any Israeli ground incursion, and we will not allow Israel to achieve its goals,” Qassem declared. He confirmed that Hezbollah fighters are continuing to fire rockets as far as 150 kilometers into Israeli territory.

Diplomatic Efforts Amid Escalation

Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation have intensified. Israel reportedly briefed its key allies, including the United States, on its plans for the ground operation. The U.S. State Department confirmed that it was aware of Israel’s "limited, localized, and targeted" raids aimed at Hezbollah’s infrastructure near the border.

However, U.S. President Joe Biden called for an immediate ceasefire, urging both Israel and Hezbollah to halt their military actions. Biden’s call came amid growing concerns that the conflict could expand, especially with Iran’s involvement. Tehran has voiced strong opposition to Israel's actions, vowing not to leave Israeli “criminal acts” unanswered.

Russia, a key player in the region, warned that the assassination of Nasrallah had further destabilized the situation. Meanwhile, Britain and Canada urged their citizens to leave Lebanon, fearing a broader escalation.

Hezbollah Leadership After Nasrallah’s Assassination

The assassination of Hassan Nasrallah has dealt a significant blow to Hezbollah. Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah since its early days, built the group into one of the region's most powerful military and political forces. His death in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut has left a leadership vacuum within the organization.

Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, confirmed that a new secretary-general will be appointed in the coming days. Despite Nasrallah’s death, Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah remains unified and prepared for a prolonged conflict with Israel.

Escalation Risks and Regional Impact

As Israel’s military presses forward with its ground operations, fears of a full-scale regional war are growing. The conflict, initially focused on Israel and Hezbollah, now threatens to involve multiple state and non-state actors across the Middle East.

The Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon have also struck Iranian-backed groups in Syria, further escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Iran has repeatedly warned that it will not stand by while its allies in the region come under attack.

With casualties rising and no clear path to a ceasefire, the prospect of a protracted conflict looms. Although international efforts to mediate are ongoing, Israel’s ground invasion signals that it is prepared to continue its campaign against Hezbollah.

Conclusion

As fighting rages in southern Lebanon and Israeli airstrikes continue to target Hezbollah strongholds, the conflict shows no sign of abating. Both sides are entrenched, with Hezbollah vowing to resist any Israeli incursion and Israel committed to eliminating the group’s military capabilities. With diplomatic efforts struggling to gain traction, the region faces the possibility of a prolonged and bloody conflict.