Israeli army begins 'limited' ground operation in Lebanon
The Israeli army has begun "limited, localised and targeted ground attacks, based on precise intelligence, against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon", it reported on Tuesday morning on X.
"These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel," the army added. The air force and artillery are supporting the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area," it added. The operation has been dubbed "Northern Arrows".
An Israeli attack took place in Ain al-Hilweh, the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, near the city of Sidon. This was reported by a person in charge of the camp near Sidon, in the south of the country, to the French news agency AFP.
The attack targeted Mounir Maqdah, who is accused of heading the Lebanese branch of the Al-Asqa Martyrs' Brigade, the military arm of the Palestinian political movement Fatah.
US support
Israel's latest offensive has the support of the US, according to US Defence secretary Lloyd Austin. After talking to Israeli Defence minister Yoav Gollant, Austin wrote on X that the strikes were necessary "to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel’s northern communities".
"I made it clear that the United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself," Austin said about his conversation with Gollant. "I reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border."
Austin also warned Iran against retaliation. "The United States is well-postured to defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations," he said, while reiterating "the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel".
Locals and rescue teams inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp. PHOTO © Mahmoud ZAYYAT / AFP
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