Intensified Israel-Lebanon Clashes: Ground Raids and Airstrikes Escalate Tensions

Intense fighting erupted between Israel and Hezbollah, intensified by Israel’s ground raids and airstrikes. Lebanon's caretaker PM, Najib Mikati, called for $400M in aid amidst severe destruction and displacement in Lebanon. Hezbollah and Israel traded attacks, heightening the threat of a broader Middle Eastern conflict involving regional allies.

Intense fighting erupted between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon after Israeli paratroopers, commandos, and armored units launched ground raids following devastating airstrikes. These operations, starting Monday night, involved the elite 98th division, which recently moved from Gaza.

Israel's military stated the ground raids aim to target Hezbollah strongholds threatening Israeli communities in northern Israel. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari emphasized these attacks are not a war against the Lebanese populace but necessary actions to neutralize threats. Fearing the expanding conflict, many residents in southern Lebanon have fled.

As the hostilities deepen, Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati requested over $400 million in aid during a meeting with UN and donor country representatives. The conflict’s escalation has displaced one million Lebanese and ignited wider regional tensions, with allied groups like Yemen’s Houthis launching attacks in support of Hamas.

(With inputs from agencies.)