The Israel Defense Force (IDF) has initiated a 'limited' invasion of southern Lebanon to counter Hezbollah's buildup along the shared border. The IDF's operations have been met with minimal resistance since the announcement of the invasion early Tuesday morning local time.
Israel has been escalating its strikes against the terrorist organization in southern Lebanon and Beirut in recent weeks. The IDF confirmed that targeted operations have been conducted to dismantle Hezbollah's terrorist capabilities that pose a threat to civilians in northern Israel.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesman, stated that special forces have entered Hezbollah compounds along the Israel-Lebanon border, collecting intelligence and dismantling positional strongholds. Over 700 Hezbollah terror assets have been exposed and dismantled during these operations.
Hezbollah's entanglement in civilian life in southern Lebanon has been highlighted, with the group using civilian infrastructure for weapons depots and tunnel networks. Despite fears of a potential all-out war, Hezbollah's resistance has been minimal, with the IDF actively working to dismantle the group's infrastructure near the border.
Jonathan Conricus, a senior fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that Hezbollah's lack of a counter force could be attributed to the IDF's extensive special operations and targeted aerial campaigns against the group. The IDF's focus remains on dismantling Hezbollah's infrastructure in the border area, with a campaign timeline estimated in 'days [to] weeks.'
