Reports emerged on Sept. 30 that Israeli special operations forces had entered a tunnel system inside Lebanon.
Israeli ground forces crossed into southern Lebanon on Sept. 30, in what may be the opening phases of an Israeli invasion of the country.
Some Israeli tanks crossed the border into Lebanon on Monday night, the IDF said on X in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
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. These targets are located in villages…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 30, 2024
“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,” it said.
The planning and training for the methodical operation, approved by Israel’s political leaders, has been ongoing for months, it added.
Operation “Northern Arrows” is targeting Hezbollah targets close to the border with Israel that “pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.”
“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.”
The reported operations come as Israel has been signaling an escalating fight with Hezbollah; a Shia Muslim political and paramilitary faction within Lebanon designated as a terrorist group by the United States and Israel.
Lebanon’s state-backed National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli artillery strikes in Marjeyoun, southern Lebanon, and further Israeli airstrikes on the southern Wazzani and Khiyam communities. NNA said a Lebanese Army soldier was killed in the Wazzani strikes.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued evacuation advisories for civilians in several areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut earlier on Monday evening, warning the IDF would soon target those areas.
The United States confirmed it was aware of limited Israeli military ground operations inside Lebanon’s border earlier on Monday.
The Wall Street Journal first reported on Monday, based on anonymous sources, that Israeli special operations forces launched a limited operation inside a tunnel system on the Lebanese side of the border.
By Ryan Morgan
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