The Israeli military says plans for the expansion of ground and air attacks against the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah have been approved, amid fears in Lebanon that Israel is preparing a large-scale ground invasion of the country. Israel has intensified its campaign against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia and political party, after the group fired rockets into Israel earlier this month amidst the war between the US and Israel against Iran.
According to the Lebanese health ministry, more than 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon as a result of the escalating violence, including at least 118 children and 40 health workers. Additionally, over a million people have been displaced, raising alarms about a potential humanitarian crisis.
Israeli officials assert that the expansion of military operations aims to protect communities in northern Israel from Hezbollah's attacks. Recently, Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir approved plans for targeted ground operations and strikes against Hezbollah, labeling the initiative as a 'prolonged operation'.
President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon criticized the Israeli strikes, describing them as a 'prelude to a ground invasion' and arguing they reflect a 'policy of collective punishment' against civilians. It is feared that Israel intends to isolate the southern region of Lebanon, which is predominantly Shia and the stronghold of Hezbollah, from the rest of the country. The situation continues to evolve amid concerns of further violence and severe humanitarian repercussions.
According to the Lebanese health ministry, more than 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon as a result of the escalating violence, including at least 118 children and 40 health workers. Additionally, over a million people have been displaced, raising alarms about a potential humanitarian crisis.
Israeli officials assert that the expansion of military operations aims to protect communities in northern Israel from Hezbollah's attacks. Recently, Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir approved plans for targeted ground operations and strikes against Hezbollah, labeling the initiative as a 'prolonged operation'.
President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon criticized the Israeli strikes, describing them as a 'prelude to a ground invasion' and arguing they reflect a 'policy of collective punishment' against civilians. It is feared that Israel intends to isolate the southern region of Lebanon, which is predominantly Shia and the stronghold of Hezbollah, from the rest of the country. The situation continues to evolve amid concerns of further violence and severe humanitarian repercussions.
