|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Israel Defense Forces has signaled that a ground offensive into southern Lebanon remains a possibility following overnight rocket fire from Hezbollah, as cross-border hostilities between the two sides intensified sharply on Monday.
Speaking during a morning briefing, IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin said the army had not ruled out sending troops across the frontier, though he stopped short of confirming that such a move was imminent. He stressed that all options were under consideration to restore security for northern Israeli communities.
Defrin said the military ordered the evacuation of more than 50 villages in southern Lebanon overnight, describing the measure as necessary to reduce civilian risk ahead of potential operations. The evacuations, he noted, were accompanied by a wave of Israeli airstrikes targeting suspected Hezbollah infrastructure.
Plumes of smoke were seen rising over Beirut’s southern suburbs early Monday after multiple strikes hit what the IDF described as command centers, weapons depots, and rocket-launching sites. The densely populated district, considered a Hezbollah stronghold, has repeatedly come under Israeli attack during recent exchanges.
Minutes after Defrin concluded his remarks, Defense Minister Israel Katz posted a statement declaring that Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem was now “in the crosshairs,” signaling a potential expansion of Israeli targeting priorities to include the group’s senior leadership.
The statement underscored Israel’s increasingly aggressive posture, with officials arguing that symbolic retaliation is no longer sufficient. Instead, the government appears to be pursuing a sustained campaign aimed at weakening Hezbollah’s command structure and operational capabilities.
According to Defrin, several high-ranking Hezbollah commanders have already been killed in recent strikes, including targets inside Beirut. Dozens of additional sites were hit overnight, he said, as Israeli aircraft conducted what he described as “precise and intelligence-based operations.”
Military sources told The Jerusalem Post that although the latest Hezbollah rocket salvo did not result in Israeli casualties, the army was determined to escalate pressure on the group. Officials indicated the response would not be limited to a single night of bombardment.
Residents along Israel’s northern border reported air raid sirens and intermittent rocket interceptions through the night, while emergency services remained on high alert. Schools in several communities stayed closed as authorities advised civilians to remain near shelters amid fears of further attacks.
Analysts say the threat of a ground invasion carries significant risks. A large-scale push into southern Lebanon could draw Israel into prolonged urban and guerrilla fighting, reminiscent of previous conflicts that proved costly for both sides. Hezbollah is widely believed to possess an extensive network of tunnels, fortified positions, and short-range rockets.
At the same time, Israeli officials argue that failing to act decisively could embolden the group and prolong instability. “Our objective is clear,” Defrin said. “We will not allow Hezbollah to threaten Israeli citizens from across the border.”
Diplomatic efforts to cool tensions appear limited, with regional powers urging restraint but offering few concrete proposals. The situation remains fluid, with both sides trading threats as military activity continues.
For now, the IDF’s message is one of readiness. Whether through sustained airstrikes or a possible ground maneuver, Israel has signaled it intends to maintain pressure on Hezbollah until what it views as a durable deterrent is restored.