The Israeli military announced on Wednesday the deployment of regular infantry and armored units in southern Lebanon as part of its ongoing ground operations against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.
This escalation follows a series of Iranian missile strikes against Israel, raising concerns of a wider conflict in the oil-rich Middle East.
Israel is already engaged in a significant military campaign against Hamas in Gaza and is now intensifying its presence in southern Lebanon, a day after being attacked by Iran.
“Our action is concluded unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated in a post on social media. “In that scenario, our response will be stronger and more powerful.”
The Israeli military’s addition of troops from the 36th Division, including the Golani Brigade and the 188th Armored Brigade, indicates a shift from limited commando raids to a more comprehensive operation aimed primarily at destroying Hezbollah’s tunnel networks and infrastructure along the border.
However, officials clarified that there are no plans for an extensive operation targeting major urban centers like Beirut.
Iran’s recent missile assault on Israel marked its most substantial military engagement with the country, with the Iranian state media reporting that the attack was aimed at military installations in response to perceived Israeli aggression against Hezbollah and Gaza.
Iranian military officials indicated that the attack could be considered a “warning” to Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the missile strikes, declaring, “Iran made a big mistake tonight – and it will pay for it.”
He emphasised that Israel would mount a “significant retaliation” in the coming days, potentially targeting critical infrastructure in Iran, as reported by Axios, citing Israeli officials.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire from the United Nations, the United States, and the European Union, fighting continued unabated.
Israel renewed its bombardment of Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburbs, conducting at least a dozen airstrikes on what it identified as Hezbollah targets.
Large plumes of smoke were seen rising from the area, which has seen heavy strikes in recent days. New evacuation orders were issued, further emptying the suburbs.
Hezbollah claimed to have confronted Israeli forces early Wednesday in the Lebanese town of Adaisseh, asserting that they successfully repelled the incursion.
The Lebanese government reported that nearly 1,900 people have died and over 9,000 have been wounded in the ongoing cross-border conflict, with most casualties occurring in the past two weeks alone.
In the wake of the escalating tensions, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin assured Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant that Washington is “well-postured” to defend its interests in the Middle East.
The Pentagon confirmed that U.S. Navy warships had intercepted several Iranian missiles headed toward Israel, noting the seriousness of the situation.
As fears mount regarding a potential regional war, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol convened a meeting with national security and economic advisers to discuss the conflict’s implications for energy supplies, highlighting the global stakes involved in the unfolding crisis.
The situation remained fluid as both sides prepare for further military actions, with Israel and Iran locked in a dangerous cycle of retaliation.
Boluwatife Enome
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