Israel Launches Ground Offensive Against Hezbollah in Lebanon: Live Updates

Israeli ground forces entered southern Lebanon early Tuesday morning, marking a significant escalation of the offensive against Hezbollah and the opening of a new front in the year-long war against Iran-backed adversaries.

The attack comes after weeks of heavy blows from Israel Hezbollah — including the raid that killed its long-time leader, Hassan Nasrallah – and seeks to increase pressure on the Lebanese militant group. The last time Israel and Hezbollah engaged in ground combat was for a month war in 2006.

The Israeli military said in a brief statement that it had launched “limited, localized and targeted airstrikes” against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

“These targets are located in villages near the border and pose a direct threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel,” he said.

It is unclear how long the operation will last, but the army said soldiers have been training and preparing for the mission in recent months.

Read more about Israel’s incursion into Lebanon