Israeli ground operation in Lebanon may start ‘within hours’

An Israeli ground operation in Lebanon may be imminent. According to different American media, a limited ground incursion into Lebanon could take place within hours.

American media such as CBS News, The Washington Post and CNN reported that Israel has informed the United States about a planned ground operation in Lebanon. The incursion would be aimed at destroying infrastructure of Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in the border region.

The US, according to a CNN source, fears that a limited ground operation could eventually grow into a much larger operation. Those concerns are being discussed with Israel, reported the news channel.

Authorities in the two countries have not formally confirmed that a ground operation is imminent. However, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant did say that a new phase is imminent in the fight with Hezbollah.

Israel has recently been carrying out heavy airstrikes against Hezbollah. It is already operating with ground troops in the Gaza Strip, where it wants to eliminate the extremist Palestinian organisation Hamas.

^{Israeli air strike on the Lebanese village of Qlayleh © BELGA PHOTO Kawnat HAJU / AFP}