Israel Prepares for Ground Offensive in Lebanon

Israel’s war Cabinet has approved the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) next phase in its war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to a Haaretz report. In response to reports of the imminent IDF ground invasion of Lebanon, Hezbollah’s deputy chief Naim Qassem stated, “We are quite ready, if the Israelis want a ground incursion, the resistance forces are ready for that.”

The Jerusalem Post reported that IDF ground forces have entered southern Lebanon, and IDF Arabic spokesperson Colonel Avichay Adraee warned residents in the southern suburbs of Beirut to evacuate immediately, stating on X:

#عاجل ‼️ Urgent warning to the residents of the southern suburbs of Beirut. To all those present in the buildings specified in the specified maps and the buildings adjacent to them in the following neighborhoods: ⭕️ Lilac ⭕️ Haret Hreik ⭕️ Burj Al-Barajneh You are located near interests and facilities belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah, and therefore the IDF will act against them forcefully. For your safety and the safety of your family, you must evacuate the buildings immediately, starting at a distance of no less than 500 meters.

The IDF has not officially confirmed an invasion. Responding to reports on activity in southern Lebanon, IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari asked that information on “activities of the forces” not be shared due to security concerns:

Good night. In recent hours there have been many reports and rumors about IDF activity on the Lebanese border. We ask not to transmit reports about the activities of the forces, due to the security of our forces. Stick to the official reports only and do not spread irresponsible rumors.