Israel may launch ground invasion of Lebanon this week - WSJ

Israeli special forces are conducting targeted raids in southern Lebanon, gathering intelligence and conducting reconnaissance operations in preparation for a possible ground invasion. It may begin as early as this week.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to The Wall Street Journal.

Sources familiar with the situation said that during the operations, soldiers penetrate tunnels belonging to Hezbollah militants along the Lebanese-Israeli border. Such raids have been conducted both in recent days and over the past several months.

These actions, according to the sources, are part of a broader Israeli strategy to weaken Hezbollah's military capabilities on the border with Lebanon. However, the timing of ground operations may change under pressure from the United States, which is seeking to prevent a major invasion. Israel's exact plans remain unknown, and it is unclear how long Tel Aviv will hold the territory or whether the operation will be a series of large raids.

Amir Avivi, a former senior Israeli military official, said that a ground invasion is inevitable, and that the current raids are part of the preparations.

According to him, the IDF is actively preparing for possible ground operations, including with the use of special units.

Author - Olena Madiak, 30/09/2024