Israel launches ground operation in southern Lebanon

The IDF said it was destroying objects that “pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.”

The Israel Defense Forces began "limited, localized and targeted raids" as part of Operation Northern Arrows. The military called the operation "limited" and said its troops began entering Lebanon "several hours ago" to strike targets that "pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel."

Three Israeli officials told The New York Times that the invasion plan involves operating on a narrow strip of land that runs along the northern side of the border. According to them, the invasion force will consist of small groups of commandos who will be covered by air as well as artillery fire. However, they noted that the plan could develop into a larger invasion.

During the night, Israel continued to strike southern Lebanon and the Gaza Strip. The Syrian Defense Ministry also said an Israeli airstrike and drone attack on Damascus killed three people, including Syrian TV presenter Safaa Ahmed.

A US military base in Iraq came under missile attack. " Victory Base at Baghdad Airport was attacked by three missiles, two of which were shot down by special base defense equipment and the third fell near the headquarters of the Counter-Terrorism Command," a security source told AFP . According to the agency, no one was injured.

US President Joe Biden has called for a ceasefire in Lebanon. The White House later said it supported Israel's right to defend itself against Hezbollah and other terrorist groups. “Of course, we know that expanding the mission may carry risks, and we will continue to discuss this issue with the Israelis,” the National Security Council spokesman added. The United States is sending "several thousand" more troops to the Middle East, the Pentagon said Monday. Defense officials said the additional forces would bolster the security of the 40,000 U.S. troops already in the region and help defend Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released an English-language video addressed to the Iranian public: “The people of Iran must know that Israel stands by your side.” He also repeated his threats against the Iranian government, saying: "There is no place we will not go to protect our people and our country."

On Monday, Sheikh Naim Kassem, Hezbollah's deputy secretary general, said the group would name a leader to replace Hassan Nasrallah "at the earliest opportunity."

Photo: Reuters