Israeli military chief hints at potential ground operation in Lebanon amid Hezbollah strikes
Israel intercepts Hezbollah's farthest strike yet
Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets into Israel early Wednesday, including a longer-range projectile that set off air raid sirens in Tel Aviv and across central Israel. It was the group’s farthest strike yet in nearly a year of exchanges. Israel said it intercepted the projectile, and there were no reports of casualties or damage. Alireza Jafarzadeh, Deputy Director National Council of Resistance of Iran-U.S. Representative Office, joined LiveNOW from FOX with the latest update.
Tensions on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon have reached a critical point, with Israeli military officials preparing for the possibility of a ground operation against Hezbollah.
According to a report from the Associated Press published Wednesday, Israeli Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi addressed troops, suggesting that recent airstrikes were setting the stage for a larger military action.
"Our airstrikes are designed to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah," Halevi said to troops stationed along the northern border. The military chief’s statement marks the most explicit signal yet that Israel may be planning a ground invasion in response to Hezbollah’s increasing missile attacks.
Hezbollah’s missile strike reaches Tel Aviv
Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Herzi Halevi holds an assessment meeting after Israeli intelligence agency Mossad planted explosives in the batteries of pager devices that detonated in Lebanon, killing nine people and injuring (Photo by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) )
Hezbollah escalated its attacks on Israel this week, launching a missile aimed at Tel Aviv — the deepest strike yet from the militant group in Lebanon. This attack followed several days of rocket fire from Hezbollah into northern Israel, sparking fears of a broader conflict.
In a speech to soldiers, Halevi acknowledged Hezbollah’s increased aggression, stating, "Today, Hezbollah expanded its range of fire, and later today, they will receive a very strong response." While he did not specify whether this response would involve a ground invasion or further airstrikes, Israeli officials have indicated that they are ready for tougher action, including the activation of two reserve brigades for northern missions.
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Airstrikes and casualties mount
Israeli airstrikes have intensified in recent days, with targets including Hezbollah weapons depots and rocket launchers. According to Lebanese health officials, the attacks have resulted in the deaths of more than 600 people, a quarter of them women and children. The violence has led to significant displacement, with families fleeing to Beirut and Sidon, as well as into Syria.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the strikes and called on the United Nations to intervene. "France stood by our side in the darkest circumstances, the best proof being the efforts France is making today in collaboration with the United States in order to issue a joint communique that enjoys international support and which would put an end to this dirty war," he told the U.N. Security Council.
U.S. and France push for cease-fire
As the conflict escalates, international leaders are urging restraint. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking from the U.N. General Assembly, called for both Israel and Hezbollah to step back, warning that an all-out war would be disastrous for the region. The U.S., along with France, is working on a temporary cease-fire plan that would allow displaced civilians to return to their homes.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also emphasized the importance of de-escalation, revealing that France and the U.S. are jointly proposing a 21-day cease-fire to allow for negotiations.