On Wednesday, the Israeli military announced that regular infantry and armored units had joined its ground operations in Lebanon, intensifying pressure on Hezbollah as it prepared for potential retaliation against Iranian missile strikes.
Already engaged in a conflict with Hamas in Gaza, Israel bolstered its presence in southern Lebanon following a recent Iranian assault, heightening concerns of a broader conflict in the oil-rich Middle East. Iran stated that its large-scale attack on Israel was over unless further provoked, but Israel and the U.S. vowed to respond.
Israel’s ground operations now involve infantry and armored troops from its 36th Division, including the Golani Brigade, the 188th Armored Brigade, and the 6th Infantry Brigade. These developments suggest a possible escalation beyond the current limited commando raids. While Israel stated that its primary goal is to destroy Hezbollah’s border infrastructure, it clarified that it has no plans for an extensive operation targeting Beirut or major cities in southern Lebanon.
Amid the rising tensions, Hezbollah claimed to be in active combat with Israeli forces along the border, while Israel continued its bombardment of Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut. Despite international calls for a ceasefire from the UN, U.S., and EU, fighting persisted, with nearly 1,900 deaths and over 9,000 injuries reported in Lebanon over the past year, most of which occurred in the last two weeks.
Iran’s missile strikes on Israeli military bases, coupled with a cyber operation, further complicated the situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged retaliation, targeting Iran’s strategic sites if necessary, while Iran warned of severe consequences for any Israeli response. Amid these developments, global leaders have expressed concern about the escalating conflict and its potential to destabilize the region further.
The situation remains volatile, with Hezbollah, Iran’s regional allies, and Israel locked in a tense standoff.
