Israel’s military chief, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, stated on Wednesday that ongoing airstrikes in Lebanon aim to dismantle Hezbollah’s infrastructure and prepare for a potential ground invasion by Israeli forces. Speaking to troops stationed near Israel's northern border with Lebanon, Halevi confirmed that Israeli jets have been active throughout the day, striking Hezbollah targets.
“These strikes are meant to degrade Hezbollah's capacity and prepare the terrain for your possible entry,” Halevi told soldiers. “We are also taking steps to ensure the safe return of the tens of thousands of northern residents displaced by cross-border fire.”
Halevi emphasized that Israeli ground troops could soon enter Lebanese territory, targeting Hezbollah strongholds that have been fortified into military outposts. “Your maneuvering boots will soon step into villages Hezbollah has fortified. Our entry will demonstrate to them what it means to face a professional, highly skilled, and battle-hardened force,” he added.
Escalating Conflict
Israel’s escalation in airstrikes comes after Hezbollah launched a missile deep into Israeli territory, targeting Mossad headquarters near Tel Aviv—a first for the Iran-backed group. The missile was intercepted, but the incident marks a significant intensification of the ongoing conflict. In response, Israel has called up two reserve brigades, with military leaders warning that forces must be fully prepared for an expanded offensive.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reinforced Israel's commitment to ensuring the safe return of northern residents. "We will not rest until the residents of the north can return to their homes safely," Netanyahu said. He hinted at further undisclosed military actions, asserting that Hezbollah has faced unexpected and severe blows. “We are inflicting damage on Hezbollah that they did not anticipate, using both strength and strategy,” the prime minister stated.
Heavy Hezbollah Losses
In the past week, Israel has intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, culminating in targeted attacks on key Hezbollah figures. The leader of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, Ibrahim Aqil, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on southern Beirut. Another senior Hezbollah official, Ibrahim Qubaisi, responsible for the group's missile operations, was also killed in an airstrike earlier this week.
Following these high-profile losses, Hezbollah has retaliated by launching hundreds of rockets into Israeli territory. However, Israel's military response appears to have significantly weakened the group, with Israeli officials indicating that Hezbollah is now on the defensive.
As the situation continues to develop, Israel’s top military leadership remains focused on ensuring both a strategic and decisive victory against Hezbollah, with ground maneuvers increasingly likely.
“You are more experienced and stronger than the enemy,” Halevi told troops. “You will enter their territory, dismantle their infrastructure, and ensure the safe return of our northern residents.”
The conflict marks a significant shift from Israel’s ongoing operations against Hamas in Gaza, signaling a potential new phase in the broader regional tensions between Israel and Iran-backed forces.
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