WSJ: Israeli forces conduct raids in southern Lebanon ahead of possible ground incursion

Israeli special forces have recently carried out small, targeted raids in southern Lebanon, gathering intelligence and probing the area in advance of a potential broader ground incursion that may occur as soon as this week, according to sources familiar with the situation.

These operations have included entering Hezbollah’s tunnels along the border and have taken place recently as well as over the past several months, Caliber.Az reports via The Wall Street Journal.

This effort is part of Israel's broader strategy to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities along the Israel-Lebanon border.

The timing of any ground action remains uncertain, with Israel facing significant pressure from the United States to avoid a major invasion. It is unclear how long Israel would seek to hold any territory or whether the operation would consist of a series of larger raids.

Amir Avivi, a former senior Israeli military official who is still receiving briefings from the defence establishment, indicated that a ground incursion by Israel is imminent and that the raids are a preparatory step.

“The IDF has made a lot of preparations for a ground incursion. Overall, this always includes special operations. This is part of the process,” Avivi stated.

According to Avivi, Hezbollah appears significantly weakened, posing the dilemma of how far Israel should advance into Lebanon. However, when and under what conditions Israel would withdraw remains unclear.

A broader ground incursion would be highly provocative and could further destabilise a region already scarred by previous invasions in 2000 and 2006. Israel's government is under pressure to establish a buffer zone to prevent Hezbollah attacks, which have displaced approximately 60,000 people from their homes in northern Israel. The fear of cross-border attacks similar to those perpetrated by Hamas against Israel on October 7 remains a concern.

A senior Israeli official recently noted that the country hopes to avoid a ground invasion but has nonetheless been reinforcing its military presence in the north, shifting focus to the confrontation with Hezbollah. Israel now has a larger military force stationed along that front than anywhere else in the country.

Israel’s military chief told troops last week that airstrikes against Hezbollah were being prepared as a precursor to a potential ground invasion of Lebanon. “We are preparing the process of a manoeuvre, which means your military boots, your manoeuvring boots, will enter enemy territory,” said the Israeli military chief of staff, Herzi Halevi, in remarks to troops stationed at the northern border.

Both the US and Arab nations have consistently advocated for a diplomatic solution to the crisis, warning of the risks of a regional war. The US has also bolstered its military presence in the area to deter potential involvement from countries like Iran and to be ready to respond to any escalation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev