Israeli Ground Forces Enter Southern Lebanon, Escalating Conflict with Hizbullah

Israeli ground forces crossed into southern Lebanon early Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in its ongoing conflict with Hizbullah militants.

This move opens a new front in Israel’s year-long war against Iranian-backed adversaries.

The incursion comes after weeks of heavy Israeli strikes against Hizbullah, including an airstrike that killed the group’s long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

Israel’s goal is to intensify pressure on Hizbullah, which began launching rockets into northern Israel following the start of the war in Gaza.

In response, the Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of around 30 villages in southern Lebanon. Residents were instructed to move north of the Awali River, 35 miles (56km) from the border. This area is located just north of Sidon, beyond the current combat zone in Lebanon.

However, it remains to be seen why certain villages were selected for evacuation while neighbouring areas were not and why the evacuation zone extends so far north.

The last time Israel and Hizbullah engaged in ground combat was during the 2006 Lebanon War.

In a brief statement, the Israeli military confirmed the start of “limited, localised, and targeted ground raids” against Hizbullah positions in southern Lebanon. The raids targeted villages near the border that posed an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel. The military did not specify how long the operation would last but emphasised that soldiers had been preparing for this mission for several months.

Israel stated it would continue these operations until it is safe for Israeli citizens who were displaced from border regions to return home. U.S. officials confirmed the Israeli ground raids before Israel’s official announcement, and the Israeli army declared three small border communities as “closed military zones,” limiting access to military personnel only.

As of Tuesday morning, there were no reports of direct clashes between Israeli forces and Hizbullah militants. However, Israeli artillery continued to target positions in southern Lebanon throughout the night, and airstrike sounds were heard across Beirut.

Smoke rose from the city’s southern suburbs, where Hizbullah maintains a significant presence. This followed Israel’s evacuation orders for residents of three buildings in the area.

Israel has significantly increased its military presence along the Lebanon border in recent days, with commanders stating they are prepared for a full-scale ground operation if necessary.

Recent Israeli strikes have reportedly hit thousands of Hizbullah targets across Lebanon, resulting in over 1,000 deaths in the last two weeks. Nearly a quarter of the casualties are women and children, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

Irish authorities have advised citizens to leave Lebanon while travel is still possible. Taoiseach Simon Harris reiterated this on Tuesday morning, urging Irish citizens to register with the Irish embassy and consulates in the region and to make arrangements to leave. “This has been our advice for a significant period and remains today,” Harris said.

He also praised the Irish troops stationed in Lebanon, stating that their safety “remains paramount.” Harris added that he had met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres last week to receive updates on the situation.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin confirmed that between 140 and 150 Irish citizens and Irish troops serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are currently in Lebanon. Martin assured the public that Irish soldiers were safe, adding that he had spoken with the Chief of Staff after news of the limited incursion broke. “The troops are safe. They’re professional soldiers, and UNIFIL is doing everything possible to protect peacekeepers amid the escalation,” Martin said.

— Agencies