The Israeli Army has placed additional tanks and armored vehicles on its northern border with Lebanon, indicating readiness for a possible ground invasion. This comes after Israel has instructed its armed forces to prepare for a potential invasion of Lebanon, while intensifying its attack on the Hezbollah militia group supported by Iran.
Israeli leaders cautioned that Lebanon may suffer a similar outcome to Gaza if Hezbollah persists with its missile strikes. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, addressing soldiers, declared, “We are conducting airstrikes and naval attacks on Hezbollah… and you need to get ready for a possible ground invasion”.
Over 700 killed, 30,000 displaced in one week, says Lebanon
Israel and Hezbollah have been in open warfare since Israel allegedly caused the explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah on September 17 and 18. Since that time, more than 700 individuals, both women and children, have lost their lives in Lebanon.
According to the news agency AP, Israeli military vehicles were seen moving tanks and armored vehicles towards the northern border with Lebanon, while reserve forces were called up by commanders. The military has also kept advising citizens to leave residences it says are close to Hezbollah weapon storage locations.
Also read: Israel releases video showing Hezbollah’s weapons hidden in Lebanese homes
After meeting with Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that escalating tensions further would hinder the ability of civilians to go back home in both Israel and Palestine. According to the State Department, the Secretary talked about the significance of finalizing a deal for a 21 day ceasefire along the Israel-Lebanon border. He emphasized that increasing the conflict further will only hinder the goal of civilian return, Blinken stated.
Based on the most recent assessment from the International Organisation for Migration, more than 200,000 individuals have been forced to leave their homes in Lebanon following the start of Hezbollah’s rocket attacks on northern Israel.
