An Israeli official stated early Saturday that Israel will execute operations in Lebanon similar to those carried out in the Gaza Strip. This refers to the destruction of buildings that Israel claims are used by Hezbollah for weapon storage and launching attacks, according to the American news site Axios.
Israeli and U.S. sources also reported that Israel plans a significant expansion of its ground operations in Lebanon. The objective is to seize control of the entire region south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.
The official suggested that the expanded military operation could lead to a long-term Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon, a prospect that deeply alarms the Lebanese government. Lebanese authorities fear that the renewed conflict—triggered by Hezbollah’s decision to launch rockets at Israel—will result in the country's devastation.
The report noted that President Donald Trump’s administration supports the Israeli military operation aimed at disarming Hezbollah. However, Washington is simultaneously Pressuring Israel to limit damage to the Lebanese state and is pushing for direct talks between Israel and Lebanon regarding a post-war agreement.
Shift in Strategy
According to Axios, Israeli officials said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had, until recently, attempted to contain the escalation in Lebanon to focus on threats from Iran. However, calculations shifted after Hezbollah launched over 200 rockets in an attack coordinated with Iran, which also fired numerous missiles. This prompted a major adjustment in Israeli strategy.
"Before this attack, we were ready for a ceasefire in Lebanon," another Israeli official said. "But after that, there is no turning back from a massive operation."
Since the start of the war with Iran, three armored divisions and two infantry divisions have been stationed on the Lebanese border. Some ground forces have conducted limited incursions over the past two weeks. On Friday, the IDF announced reinforcements to the border and the mobilization of more reserves in preparation for the expanded ground offensive.
An Israeli military official confirmed: "The goal is to seize territory, push Hezbollah forces north away from the border, and dismantle their military sites and weapon depots in the villages."
Hezbollah’s Stance
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated on Friday that the diplomatic path pursued by the Lebanese government has failed to achieve sovereignty or protect civilians. "There is no solution but resistance," he added.
Qassem described Israeli threats of a ground invasion as a "trap," stating: "When the enemy threatens a ground invasion, we tell them: this is not a threat, but one of the traps they will fall into. Every advance in a ground invasion allows the resistance fighters to achieve gains through direct confrontation."
Humanitarian Impact and Displacement
The IDF has issued evacuation orders throughout Southern Lebanon, including—for the first time—villages north of the Litani River, as well as Hezbollah's stronghold in the Dahiyeh (southern suburbs of Beirut). Since the war began, approximately 800,000 Lebanese civilians have been displaced, and at least 773 people have been killed, the majority of whom are civilians.
U.S. Role and Infrastructure
U.S. and Israeli sources state the Trump administration requested that Israel refrain from bombing Beirut International Airport or other Lebanese state infrastructure. While U.S. officials said Israel agreed to avoid the airport, it did not commit to protecting other state assets. Subsequently, Israeli forces bombed a bridge in Southern Lebanon, claiming it was used by Hezbollah to transport troops and weapons.
An Israeli official noted they would consult Washington on a case-by-case basis, asserting they "feel full U.S. support for this operation." A U.S. official added that Israel "must do what is necessary to stop Hezbollah’s bombardment."
Informed sources say the Lebanese government has expressed readiness for direct talks with Israel regarding ceasefire terms immediately and without preconditions. The Trump administration believes these negotiations could lay the groundwork for a broader agreement to formally end the state of war between Israel and Lebanon.
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