Key Points In short:
- Operation Northern Arrows: Israeli ground raids target Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
- Global Response: World leaders call for ceasefire, opposing Israeli ground invasion.
- Escalating Violence: Israeli airstrikes kill hundreds, displace thousands in Beirut.
- Regional Implications: Conflict threatens to worsen Middle East instability.
Israel Launches Ground Raids in Lebanon (Operation Northern Arrows)
In a significant escalation of the ongoing Middle East crisis, Israeli forces have launched “limited, localized, and targeted” ground raids in Lebanon, just two days after eliminating Hezbollah’s chief, Hassan Nasrallah, in an airstrike. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that Operation “Northern Arrows” aims to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure in villages in south Lebanon, posing an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.
The ground raids come after Israel conducted at least six strikes on south Beirut, prompting residents to evacuate. A Palestinian camp in south Lebanon was also hit by airstrikes. Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, vowed to resist Israeli forces if they enter Lebanon by land.
Despite opposition from world leaders, including the United Nations Secretary-General and US President Joe Biden, who have called for a ceasefire, Israel and Hezbollah remain defiant. Israel has continued pounding Beirut with airstrikes, resulting in hundreds of casualties and thousands displaced, according to Lebanese officials.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned of using “all means necessary” to combat Hezbollah, including air, sea, and land operations. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Damascus have claimed three civilian lives, as reported by Syrian state media.
The conflict marks a shift in focus from Gaza, where Hamas operatives have been battling Israeli forces for months. Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the Palestinian Hamas group.
Must Read: Israel begins targeted ground raids on Hezbollah amid ceasefire calls | 10 updates
