Israel Suggests Potential Ground Operations Against Hezbollah in Lebanon

Israel’s military has indicated a potential shift towards ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, as a senior commander emphasized the need for readiness for “maneuvers and action” against the Iran-backed group. This statement comes in the wake of more than a week of intense aerial bombardment, which Lebanese officials report has resulted in over 600 casualties and widespread displacement.

The United States has encouraged Israel to prioritize diplomatic measures over military escalation, amid growing concerns that renewed warfare between Israel and Hezbollah could lead to a broader conflict, jeopardizing American personnel and further destabilizing the Middle East.

“We have entered a new phase of the campaign,” stated Major General Ori Gordin, the commander of the Israel Defense Forces in the northern region. His comments were shared in a statement released by the IDF on Wednesday, reflecting the escalation in exchanges of fire across the border since the launch of Hamas’s massacre on October 7, which ignited the ongoing war in Gaza.

Gordin elaborated on a significant initial strike aimed at undermining Hezbollah’s military capabilities, targeting their artillery strength and key operatives within the organization. “Facing this, we need to change the security situation and we must be fully prepared for maneuvers and action,” he affirmed during a visit to the border area.

While Gordin’s remarks suggest the possibility of a ground invasion, details remain sparse on whether this includes direct combat between Israeli troops and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon, a scenario not seen for years.

Following Gordin’s comments, the IDF confirmed the deployment of two additional brigades to the northern front, enhancing the ground forces available to confront Hezbollah and to ensure the protection of Israeli citizens, while also creating conditions for the safe return of displaced northern residents.

A senior U.S. State Department official reiterated the Biden administration’s focus on seeking a diplomatic solution to the escalating hostility between Israel and Hezbollah, seeking to disrupt the ongoing cycle of strikes. The official noted skepticism regarding Israel’s strategy of “escalate to deescalate,” questioning whether such an approach would yield the intended outcomes.

For Israel, the primary aim has been to enable the safe return of residents from border communities displaced due to continuous rocket attacks from Hezbollah. This week alone, the group has launched numerous rocket, drone, and missile assaults, attempting to hit targets in Israeli cities like Tel Aviv. However, Israel’s advanced missile defense systems have intercepted most of these attacks, minimizing their impact.

The dense southern suburb of Beirut, known as a Hezbollah stronghold, faced another airstrike on Tuesday. The group confirmed the death of Ibrahim Qubaisi, a leader of its rocket and missile forces, due to this bombing. Lebanese health authorities reported at least six fatalities from this particular strike, and in total, the number of casualties from the recent airstrikes has surpassed 610 in Lebanon, with both combatants and civilians affected.

Israel’s air operations began last week following an initial offensive involving explosive devices delivered to Hezbollah members, resulting in casualties among both combatants and innocent bystanders, according to Lebanese sources.

The toll on civilians has prompted tens of thousands to flee the violence, congregating along congested highways as they seek refuge in Beirut. Israel insists its strikes are directed exclusively at Hezbollah’s military formations and missile sites.

Hezbollah has vowed to continue its offensive until Israeli forces retreat from Gaza, where its conflict with Hamas is now entering its 11th month. Israel has made clear its demands for Hezbollah to stop its rocket assaults to facilitate the return of approximately 60,000 residents displaced in northern Israel.

The devastation wrought upon communities like Kiryat Bialik is apparent, with ongoing attacks damaging homes and infrastructure. During recent operations, residents in Tel Aviv were startled by air raid sirens, as Hezbollah’s assault extended to surface-to-surface missile attacks against the city, marking a significant escalation in their military activities.

Despite entreaties from the U.S. for de-escalation and increasing regional condemnations of Israel’s military actions, hostilities from both sides have intensified. The foreign ministers of Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq issued a joint statement, condemning what they termed “Israeli aggression on Lebanon,” asserting that Israel is steering the region towards “all-out war.”

As the situation stands, there is increasing concern over potential direct involvement from both Iran, Hezbollah’s backer, and the U.S., Israel’s ally. Such a scenario could trigger a regional conflict far deadlier than the ongoing war afflicting Gaza.