Israeli Forces Prepare to Invade Lebanon as Tanks Amass and Thousands of Troops Deployed Following Hezbollah Leader’s Killing

Israeli forces have launched operations near the Lebanon border in preparation for a potential ground invasion aimed at confronting Hezbollah militants.

According to US sources, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are planning small-scale incursions to target Hezbollah positions, escalating tensions in the region.

Israel tanks pictured on the border on Saturday after Hezbollah’s terror boss was wiped out credit: EPA

On Saturday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held discussions about the possibility of expanding Israel’s military operations. This comes just hours after the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a targeted strike in Beirut, a move that could significantly alter the balance of power in Lebanon.

Israel’s defence minister has discussed ‘expanding’ their military operation in the north. Credit: AFP.

Gallant’s office stated that he was conducting an “operational situation assessment” concerning the IDF’s northern activities, referring to the border area with Lebanon. Thousands of Israeli reservists have been mobilised, with crack commando units positioned to train for a possible ground invasion.

An Israeli tank headed for deployment along the border with Lebanon Credit: AFP.

These elite Israeli forces, battle-hardened from months of fighting Hamas in Gaza, are preparing for the complex and deadly task of advancing into Hezbollah-controlled territory. The region is known to be heavily fortified with terror tunnels, minefields, and booby traps, all laid by Hezbollah fighters ready to defend their positions.

Pictures from Saturday show Israeli tanks and troops amassing along the border, with two brigades already in place. Israel’s military preparations come after the country conducted a massive aerial bombardment of Nasrallah’s command bunker on Friday night.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in a massive Israeli blitz on Beirut Credit: AP.

Israeli jets reportedly dropped more than 80 bombs, including US-made BLU-109 “bunker busters,” in a coordinated strike that killed Nasrallah and several top Hezbollah commanders. The successful operation was said to have been a calculated gamble by Israeli leaders, who believed they had a limited window of opportunity to eliminate the Hezbollah chief.

Nasrallah’s death marks a significant blow to Hezbollah, a group he led for 32 years as a prominent political and military figure in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who approved the strike while attending the UN General Assembly in New York, called the killing a “settling of scores.”

The site of the Israeli airstrike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah Credit: Reuters

In his first public comments following the assassination, Netanyahu vowed to continue targeting Israel’s enemies, stating, “There is no place in Iran nor the Middle East where the long arm of Israel cannot reach.” He also emphasised the importance of securing a buffer zone to allow tens of thousands of Israeli refugees to return home.

The northern towns along Israel’s border with Lebanon have been evacuated since Hezbollah launched attacks in solidarity with Hamas following the October 7 massacres.

Israeli blitzed Beirut with massive strikes on Friday – wiping out Hezbollah’s leader. Credit: X

Israeli commanders are now urging Netanyahu to press forward and solidify gains made against Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden called Nasrallah’s death a “measure of justice” for his many victims and reaffirmed America’s support for Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups. Biden’s comments highlighted the broader regional stakes involved in the ongoing conflict.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu approved the attack from New York Credit: Rex.

Tensions escalated further as Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed to have fired a ballistic missile at Netanyahu’s plane as he returned to Israel. The Israeli military successfully intercepted the rocket, and air raid sirens were triggered across the country as a precaution.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant watches the operation unfold with top brass. Credit: Rex.

On Sunday, the IDF continued airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, hitting weapons depots and military structures. Lebanese health authorities report that more than 700 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the bombardment of Hezbollah strongholds began earlier this month.

Sola Adeniji

News Reporter, Freelancer, and content creator

See Full Bio