Israel launches ground offensive in southern Lebanon

BEIRUT: As indicated earlier, Israel today has launched ground offensive in Southern Lebanon, according to International media reports.

Israel has said that its ground troops will launch an operation in the border areas of Southern Lebanon to flush out Hezbollah supporters and fighters whose presence had caused the migration of the Israeli population across the border.

Israel has said that its settlements in the border areas of Lebanon would be used as cantonment. On the other hand, Lebanon has withdrawn its forces from the area.

“There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a three-minute video clip in English that he addressed to the Iranian people on Monday.

Friday’s assassination of Nasrallah – the most powerful leader in Tehran’s “Axis of Resistance” against Israeli and U.S. interests in the Middle East – was one of the heaviest blows in decades to both Hezbollah and Iran.

After two weeks of intensive airstrikes and a string of assassinations of Hezbollah commanders, Israel, which has been training its troops for a ground invasion, indicated that a land invasion was an option in Lebanon.

Speaking to troops deployed along Israel’s northern border, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Israel would do whatever it takes to ensure the return of citizens who have fled Hezbollah rockets during nearly a year of border warfare.

“We will use all the means that may be required – your forces, other forces, from the air, from the sea, and on land. Good luck,” said Gallant, who was briefed by commanders.

Comments are closed.