IDF plans expanded invasion of Lebanon: As in Gaza

Felix Wilow

Updated 13.03 | Published 10.25

          

 

         Israel is reportedly planning a ground invasion of southern Lebanon. Photo: Ariel Schalit/AP

Israel is escalating its warfare against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

A “massive ground invasion” is now being planned in southern Lebanon, according to information provided to Axios.

– We will do what we did in Gaza, says a senior Israeli official.

Israel is planning to expand the ground invasion of Lebanon to conquer the area south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, Axios reports, citing sources.

According to Axios, the invasion could lead to a long-term Israeli occupation of the area.

– The goal is to take over territory, drive Hezbollah forces north and away from the border, and dismantle its military positions and weapons caches in the villages, says a senior Israeli official.

The Trump administration has expressed support for an Israeli operation by Hezbollah – but is pushing to limit damage to the Lebanese state. They have also reportedly asked Israel not to bomb Beirut’s international airport or other Lebanese state infrastructure.

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Chaim Goldberg/AP

Netanyahu changed his mind

This week, Iran and Hezbollah carried out a coordinated attack in which more than 200 rockets were fired.

An attack that is said to have made Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu change his mind.

– Before this attack, we were ready for a ceasefire in Lebanon, but after that there is no turning back from a massive operation, the source tells Axios.

Hezbollah's response

On Friday, the Israeli military announced that it was sending reinforcements to the border and mobilizing additional reserves ahead of the expanded ground operation.

Hezbollah responded that the Lebanese government's attempts at diplomacy had failed and that the only solution was "resistance."

"When the enemy threatens a ground invasion, we tell him: this is not a threat, but one of the traps you will fall into," Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said.

About 700 people have been killed and more than 800,000 have been displaced since the war broke out, according to Reuters.