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Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply after Israel Defense Forces (IDF) approved plans to expand both ground and air operations against Hezbollah, raising fears of a large-scale invasion of Lebanon.
According to Israeli military officials, the strategy aims to intensify strikes and advance targeted ground operations in southern Lebanon.
Chief of staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir described the campaign as a “prolonged operation” designed to neutralize Hezbollah positions and protect Israeli communities near the northern border
The escalation follows recent rocket attacks launched by Hezbollah into Israel, which the group says were carried out in response to ongoing regional hostilities involving Iran.
Israel has since responded with a wave of air strikes targeting infrastructure and key transit routes in Lebanon.
One such strike hit the Qasmiye bridge near the coastal city of Tyre, damaging a vital link between southern and central Lebanon.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that crossings over the Litani River were being targeted to disrupt Hezbollah’s ability to move reinforcements and weapons.
However, these routes are also heavily used by civilians, raising concerns about the humanitarian consequences of the strikes.
Lebanese authorities report that more than 1,000 people have been killed since the escalation began, including dozens of children and healthcare workers.
The violence has forced over a million residents to flee their homes, according to Lebanon’s health ministry, creating fears of a deepening humanitarian crisis. Aid organizations warn that infrastructure damage and displacement could overwhelm already strained resources.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has condemned the Israeli actions, calling them a “prelude to a ground invasion” and accusing Israel of collective punishment against civilians.
He also warned that isolating southern Lebanon could signal plans to establish a buffer zone inside Lebanese territory.
Israeli officials, however, argue that such measures are necessary to ensure security along the border. Katz indicated that military tactics could mirror those used in Gaza, where buildings were destroyed and evacuation zones created to limit militant operations.
The current crisis is part of a broader regional conflict that intensified following the October 7 attacks, which triggered a prolonged war in Gaza. Despite a ceasefire agreement months ago, Israeli forces have continued operations there while tensions with Hezbollah have simultaneously worsened.
Hezbollah, formed during Lebanon’s civil war in the 1980s, remains a powerful military and political force backed by Iran. While Lebanon’s government has pledged to disarm the group, Hezbollah has refused to relinquish its weapons, complicating efforts to stabilize the country.