Israel is reportedly planning a limited ground operation in Lebanon that could commence shortly, as informed to the United States by Israel, according to the Washington Post, citing an unnamed U.S. official. This operation is expected to be less extensive than Israel's 2006 conflict with Hezbollah and will primarily concentrate on enhancing security for border communities, the official added.
Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on Monday that ground forces might be deployed against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. He emphasized that military actions will continue despite the recent killing of the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Gallant made these remarks while addressing Israeli troops stationed at the northern border, where cross-border clashes with Hezbollah have persisted for nearly a year but have intensified this month.
"We will employ all necessary means—your forces, other forces, from the air, from the sea, and on land," Gallant declared. "The elimination of Nasrallah is a significant step, but it is not the ultimate one." During a meeting with local council heads in northern Israel, Gallant announced, "The next phase in the war against Hezbollah will commence soon."
U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed opposition to Israeli ground operations in Lebanon and has called for a ceasefire. "I'm more aware than you might know and I'm comfortable with them stopping. We should have a ceasefire now," Biden told reporters when questioned about reports of Israeli plans for a limited operation and whether he was supportive of it proceeding.
Israel intensified its air raids on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon starting from September 23, when Lebanon's health ministry reported at least 558 deaths, marking the deadliest day of violence since Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war. Israeli officials have been signaling a potential ground invasion into Lebanon following attacks that significantly weakened Hezbollah's leadership and communications this month.
Following Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, Hezbollah began firing at Israeli military positions and communities along the border, describing it as "support" for Hamas. The conflict had been relatively contained until the recent escalation. Tens of thousands of Israeli residents were evacuated from the northern border area nearly a year ago.
Israel recently announced a shift in focus from Gaza to securing the northern border with Lebanon. Hezbollah's deputy leader, Naim Qassem, stated on Monday that the movement is prepared to confront any Israeli ground operation and warned that the battle could be protracted.
