Israel Prepares for Potential Ground Invasion in Lebanon as Hezbollah Conflict Intensifies
The Israeli military has been ordered to prepare for a possible ground invasion of Lebanon as the conflict with Hezbollah escalates. Military chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi signaled that extensive airstrikes against the Iran-backed militant group could pave the way for Israeli forces to “enter enemy territory.” This development comes as US President Joe Biden warns of an “all-out war” and diplomatic efforts at the United Nations focus on securing a 21-day ceasefire deal to end the ongoing violence.
Lebanese health authorities reported that at least 72 people were killed, and 233 others were injured on Wednesday as Israel intensified its airstrikes targeting Hezbollah strongholds in the country.
Addressing Israeli soldiers, Lt. Gen. Halevi remarked, “You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day. This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah.”
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the UN General Assembly, urged both sides to de-escalate. “There cannot be a war in Lebanon. This is why we urge Israel to cease this escalation in Lebanon and Hezbollah to stop missile launches into Israel,” Macron stated, following his discussions with President Biden on a 21-day “temporary ceasefire” proposal aimed at halting the conflict.
Since Israel’s intensified campaign began on Monday, more than 600 people have reportedly been killed in Lebanon, with infrastructure tied to Hezbollah being a primary target. UN figures indicate that 90,000 people have been newly displaced in Lebanon, adding to the 110,000 who had already fled due to earlier hostilities.
