Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi stated on Wednesday that the military is preparing for a possible ground operation in Lebanon as Hezbollah continues to launch rockets into Israel, including a missile aimed at Tel Aviv. The airstrikes were described as a preparation for potential ground invasion and to degrade Hezbollah. The escalating tensions have displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border.
The Israeli military is activating two reserve brigades for missions in the north, indicating plans for tougher action. The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for Israel and Hezbollah to step back to avoid an all-out war that would be disastrous for the region.
In Lebanon, more than 50 people were killed on Wednesday alone in Israeli strikes, raising the death toll to 615 with over 2,000 wounded in the past three days. This week marks the deadliest since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for firing a ballistic missile targeting Israel’s Mossad headquarters, while Israel intercepted a missile aimed at Tel Aviv.
Families in Lebanon are fleeing to Beirut and Sidon, seeking shelter as airstrikes intensify. The United Nations reports over 90,000 displaced by the Israeli strikes, adding to the 200,000 already displaced in the past year. Rocket fire has disrupted life for over 1 million people in northern Israel, with schools closed and businesses shut down.
Israel has moved thousands of troops to the northern border, as Hezbollah continues to launch rockets and drones. The recent escalation follows the pager and walkie-talkie bombings, increasing tensions between the two sides. The situation remains volatile, with both sides preparing for potential further escalation.
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