Israeli forces have conducted silent incursions into southern Lebanon, using Hezbollah’s underground tunnel network to launch ground attacks on the remaining strongholds of the militant group. The covert operations, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, are part of a broader campaign by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to neutralise Hezbollah’s influence in the region.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed that the ground offensive is already underway, stating that the aim is to dismantle Hezbollah’s remaining infrastructure. Gallant emphasised that Israel would employ all necessary military means—air, sea, and land—to achieve its objectives.
Meanwhile, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his disappointment with the escalation, saying he “would feel comfortable if Israel ceased hostilities.”
Targeting Hezbollah’s leader and military infrastructure
Israel has vowed to take down Hezbollah’s military leader, Hassan Nasrallah, killed in a recent strike, but officials stress that his removal is only a step in a wider effort. Gallant warned that Israel’s military would continue its operations, including targeted strikes aimed at gathering intelligence for future assaults on Hezbollah’s elite Radwan forces, stationed along Israel’s northern border.
Hezbollah’s extensive tunnel system, used to transport fighters and weapons near Israeli territory, is a crucial target for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). “Eliminating these tunnels and missile stockpiles is essential to ensuring the safety of Israel’s northern communities,” said Richard Goldberg, a former White House National Security Council member.
Since Hezbollah began launching rockets and drones into northern Israeli towns after October 7, over 50,000 Israelis have been displaced.
Hezbollah prepares for ground engagement
Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s second-in-command and the group’s de facto leader following Nasrallah’s death, stated that the militant group is “ready for ground combat” should Israel intensify its invasion. Qassem also hinted that Israel should expect “surprises” in the coming battles.
Iran, Hezbollah’s long-time backer, has pledged its support to the group in future campaigns against Israel. However, Tehran’s commitment remains unclear, as conflicting messages have emerged following Nasrallah’s assassination.
Iranian General Abdolrahim Mousavi, addressing the assassination, hinted at a retaliatory response, stating, “Wait and see.” Separately, Iranian officials underscored their readiness to assist Hezbollah and the Lebanese people.
Israeli warning signals deeper push into Lebanon
As Israeli forces ramp up their operations, the IDF has urged Lebanese civilians in southern border areas to evacuate immediately. Israel’s military spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, issued a stark warning for civilians to move north of the Awali River, 60 kilometres from the Israeli border, for their safety.
The wide-scale evacuation order suggests Israel may be preparing for a deeper military incursion into Lebanese territory. While Hezbollah has denied Israeli troops have entered its area of control, the group has vowed to resist any further Israeli advances.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, condemned Israel’s actions, accusing Jerusalem of violating Lebanese sovereignty and risking the eruption of a second front in the conflict. Lebanon has accused Israel of attempting to seize its southern territory, escalating an already tense situation.
As the conflict continues to intensify, the international community watches with growing concern over the potential for broader regional destabilisation.
