The Israeli army has announced the initiation of a “limited, localized” ground invasion in Lebanon, stating that operations will adapt based on situational assessments and will run parallel to ongoing conflicts in besieged Gaza.
In a military statement released early Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that, following a decision by political leaders, they began targeted ground raids on Hezbollah positions and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These operations are based on precise intelligence and focus on villages near the border that pose immediate threats to communities in northern Israel.
The military emphasized that these actions are part of a methodical plan developed by the General Staff and the Northern Command, for which IDF soldiers have trained extensively in recent months.
Additionally, the Israeli Air Force and IDF artillery are providing support with targeted strikes on military objectives in the area.
Referring to the invasion as “Operation Northern Arrows,” the statement noted that the operation will continue to adapt based on the evolving situation and will proceed alongside combat in Gaza and other regions.
On Monday evening, the Israeli army declared a closed military zone along the border with Lebanon, coinciding with reports of an impending ground invasion into southern Lebanon. This zone includes the northern settlements of Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi, with strict prohibitions on entry.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah reported targeting Israeli troop movements near the towns of Odaisseh and Kfarkela in southern Lebanon, claiming to have achieved “confirmed hits.” In a Telegram post, the group stated that its fighters used appropriate weaponry against Israeli soldiers in the orchards of those areas.
Hezbollah also announced a successful strike on an Israeli force near the Shtula settlement in northern Israel, claiming a direct hit with artillery shells.
According to Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, the army reported that sirens were activated in Shtula, with three rockets detected landing in an open area.
