Israel Commences 'Limited' Ground Raids in Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions

Israel started 'limited' ground raids in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah amidst escalating conflict. The operations, supported by air and artillery strikes, follow nearly a year of border warfare and a recent Hamas assault. Lebanese regions report heavy casualties, displacements, and continued aerial bombardments. U.S. President Biden calls for a ceasefire.

Israel's widely anticipated ground invasion of Lebanon appears to be underway as its military announced early Tuesday that troops have initiated 'limited' raids against Hezbollah targets in the border area.

The Israeli military stated these raids are 'localized and targeted' operations based on precise intelligence, aiming at Hezbollah in southern Lebanon villages close to the border that pose 'an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.' The ground forces are supported by the air force and artillery executing 'precise strikes'.

Residents in the Lebanese border town of Aita al-Shaab reported heavy shelling and the noise of helicopters and drones overhead. The night sky of the nearby town of Rmeish was illuminated by flares. On Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had told northern Israel local council heads that the war's next phase along Lebanon's southern border would commence soon, aiming to bring home Israelis fleeing Hezbollah rockets during almost a year of border warfare.

(With inputs from agencies.)