Israel reportedly launches limited ground raids against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated a "limited operation" in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah facilities near the border, according to a statement from the IDF.

The operation, which began in the early hours of September 30, focuses on dismantling Hezbollah's terrorist infrastructure located in villages that pose a direct threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel, Caliber.Az reports.

"A few hours ago, the IDF launched limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah's terrorist facilities and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages near the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel," the IDF statement reads.

The Israeli military also confirmed that air force and artillery units are providing support to ground troops through precise strikes on military targets in the area.

Preparations for Larger Operation

According to a report by the BBC, Israel is preparing for a more extensive ground operation on the Lebanese border to secure its northern regions, which have been under constant shelling by Hezbollah militants. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at the possibility of a broader offensive, with an unnamed U.S. administration official suggesting that the operation could begin as early as September 30.

That same evening, Israel’s military cabinet convened to approve the next phase of operations against Hezbollah, as reported by Israeli media.

U.S. Reaction and Support

During a briefing, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed that Israeli authorities had informed Washington about a series of operations in Lebanon, including ground operations near the border. 

"They informed us that these are limited operations focused on Hezbollah's infrastructure near the border," said Miller.

The Pentagon reported that U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held talks with his Israeli counterpart, during which both sides agreed on the importance of dismantling Hezbollah's attack infrastructure to prevent further assaults on northern Israel. Austin also stressed the need for a diplomatic solution to ensure the safety of civilians on both sides of the border.

Strikes in Syria

As the conflict with Hezbollah escalated, the Syrian Observatory of Human Rights reported that on the night of September 30 to Ootober 1, the Israeli Air Force attacked the Syrian capital Damascus, as well as the Deir ez-Zor province in the southeast of the country. 

Damascus was hit with a pinpoint airstrike on a car and several villas. The capital was hit in four consecutive waves of strikes. The General Directorate of Radio and Television in Syria reported the death of television anchorwoman Safaa Ahmed as a result of the strikes.

The air strikes on Deir ez-Zor killed 19 members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including commanders, while 18 were wounded and taken to hospital for treatment.

It is noted that the targets of the strikes were IRGC positions, including weapons depots and military headquarters.

Assurances of Withdrawal

In discussions with U.S. officials, Israel has assured that its troops will withdraw from Lebanon after the destruction of Hezbollah infrastructure near the border. 

“During 48 hours of high-level talks between U.S. and Israeli officials, the Israelis assured the White House that this plan has a narrower focus and is aimed at mopping up Hezbollah infrastructure near the Israeli border and then withdrawing IDF forces,” a source told the press.

US officials had expressed concern that Israel might launch a large-scale invasion, but Israeli authorities clarified that the scope of the operation remains limited.

Conflicting Reports

Arab media outlets have reported conflicting information regarding the Israeli operations. Some sources indicate that there is no confirmation that Israeli forces have crossed into Lebanese territory. However, other reports suggest that a senior commander of the Palestinian Fatah movement, Munir al-Maqdah, was injured in an Israeli strike on the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in southern Lebanon.

In addition, Israeli fighter jets have launched airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, with strong explosions reported near the Burj al-Barajna refugee camp, located on the highway leading to Rafik Hariri International Airport. An Israeli army spokesperson had earlier warned residents of the Haret Horeik and Al-Leylaqi neighborhoods to evacuate buildings that would soon be targeted by airstrikes.

By Khagan Isayev