IDF soldiers have now began the ground invasion of southern Lebanon, AFP reported.
US State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller told AFP: “This is what they have informed us that they are currently conducting, which are limited operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.”
Before the ground assault began, the IDF issued notices that three northern Israeli communities, Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi, are now considered closed military zones.
Per Reuters, Lebanese army evacuated positions along the border, after receiving warning from UNIFIL. “The Lebanese forces withdrew five kilometers north of the border,” the outlet reported.
Once the Lebanese army was out of the way, Israel opened up artillery and tank fire on southern Lebanon.
Around 10pm Israel time, Al-Arabiya reported that Israeli tanks had crossed into Lebanon in the Ramish area, although they later deleted their report.
At 7:30pm, the security cabinet met in Israel to decide between multiple invasion options presented by the IDF. A major emphasis in the invasion will likely be to target Radwan positions and terrorists near the border.
Following news of the invasion, the Home Front Command issued new orders to residents north of Hula valley, including to limit large gatherings and remain near protected areas.
The IDF has yet to confirm the ground invasion has started. Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri posted a Tefillah for IDF forces on his X account, clearly alluding to the ground operation.
IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari asked the public not to communicate reports about IDF activity on the Lebanon border, only listed to official reports, and refrain from spreading rumors.
{Matzav.com}