According to the Israeli military, Israel begins a ground assault in southern Lebanon

A ground incursion into southern Lebanon has been launched by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with the objective of targeting Hezbollah's military installations in communities close to the border between Israel and Lebanon. According to the IDF, the purpose of this operation is to eliminate any current threats to towns in northern Israel.

According to an announcement made on X, "In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon."

"Northern Arrows" Operation Aims target Hezbollah

Operation "Northern Arrows," the land invasion, is a component of a larger military plan. The IDF claims that the General Staff and the Northern Command painstakingly planned the operation, and that soldiers had months of training in advance.

"The IDF is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command, which IDF soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months," the IDF continued. Targeting Hezbollah locations in border villages that have been determined to pose an urgent threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel, the raids are restricted and focused.

Israeli Defense Minister Indicates a Level Up

This escalation was alluded to by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Monday during a meeting with heads of local councils in northern Israel. After a period of heavy bombardment, he hinted that the next phase of the fight along Lebanon's southern border will soon begin.

The IDF reiterated its commitment to the safety of Israeli civilians impacted by the conflict in a statement, saying, "The IDF is continuing to operate to achieve the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes."

Airstrikes Cause a High Death Toll

The ground assault comes after weeks of Israeli airstrikes throughout Lebanon that have claimed hundreds of lives and injured numerous others. There have been reports of intense shelling, drones, and helicopters over the border region, as well as "precise strikes" by the air force and artillery. There have been reports of flares in the night sky over Rmeish, Lebanon, which suggests increased military activity.

In his statement on Monday, Gallant emphasized the necessity to safeguard people residing in Israel's northern border regions who have been caught in the crossfire of border battles for almost a year as well as address the continued rocket fire from Hezbollah.Hezbollah Promises to Fight Off Ground Attacks.

Hezbollah has promised to engage Israeli forces on the ground in retaliation for Israel's ground invasion. The deputy commander of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem, said in a televised speech that "we will confront any possibility, and we are ready if the Israelis decide to enter by land."

The Steering and Persistent Opposition of Hezbollah

In his first public address since the passing of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem restated that his troops are ready for a protracted conflict with Israeli forces. "The resistance forces are ready for a ground engagement," Qassem added, confirming Hezbollah’s willingness for future military action.

He cited the battle of 2006 as proof of Hezbollah's capacity to repel Israeli forces and eventually win them.There are no indications that the dispute between Israel and Hezbollah will end soon as both parties get ready for a protracted military confrontation. Under Operation "Northern Arrows," the IDF is still advancing on land, but Hezbollah has declared its intention to fight back on all fronts.