By Smartencyclopedia News Staff with Agencies
October 1, 2024 – Tel Aviv, Israel — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have begun a limited ground operation targeting Hezbollah’s offensive infrastructure near the southern Lebanese border. The operation, confirmed by the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, aims to dismantle military assets used by the militant group that pose a direct threat to Israel’s northern settlements.
According to the IDF, the operation is part of a carefully orchestrated plan designed by Northern Command and the General Staff. The forces involved have been preparing for months, training for this precise mission. Ground troops are receiving heavy support from the Israeli Air Force and artillery units, which are focusing on Hezbollah targets in the region.
The decision to escalate ground operations follows overnight discussions between Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The Pentagon released a statement confirming that the two defense leaders agreed on the critical need to neutralize Hezbollah’s capabilities along the border, preventing potential attacks on Israeli border towns, similar to the Hamas assault in the south in October last year.
While both sides emphasized the importance of dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, Austin also reiterated the necessity of a diplomatic solution that could ensure peace for civilians on both sides of the border.
In a significant statement, the commander of the IDF’s Egoz commando unit, which has been involved in covert operations in Lebanon, confirmed the shift to a more substantial ground operation. “We began with low-signature operations and are now advancing into more extensive ground activities to ensure the safety of our northern residents,” the commander said, adding that this is the IDF’s first major ground operation in Lebanon since the 2006 war.
The commander expressed confidence in his troops, praising their professionalism and dedication to the mission: “I am proud to lead this unit as we carry out this critical task.”
Byline: Defense and Security Desk, October 2024