Israel’s widely-expected ground incursion inside Lebanon is underway with its military saying troops had carried out “targeted” raids across the border while backed by airstrikes and artillery.
In a statement issued earlier today, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was striking Hezbollah targets in areas close to its country’s northern border.
The announcement came shortly after Israeli media reported that the country’s cabinet had approved the next stage of the military operation targeting the militant group.
Pictures have also emerged of dozens of Israeli tanks and armoured vehicles at the border while airstrikes intensified in southern Beirut after the IDF ordered an evacuation of three areas.
UK foreign secretary David Lammy has described the situation as “volatile” as a charter flight was ordered to evacuate Britons out of the country.
Mr Lammy had joined US president Joe Biden in repeating calls for an immediate ceasefire amid fears of an escalation in the conflict.
But just after midnight yesterday morning, and following reports of heavy shelling on border towns, the IDF confirmed that a ground operation had started.
It said: “In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localised, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
“These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel. The IDF is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command which IDF soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months.
“The Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery are supporting the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area.”
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin October 01, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Independent dergisinin October 01, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Hometown glory awaits for Liverpool's next big fighter
In a year when truly giant fights have dominated the boxing landscape, Nick Ball has been in two of the very best and is a genuine world champion.
Captain sinks to new low leaving Ten Hag all at sea
The defence calls the Tottenham No 10. “Even [James] Maddison when he gets up, he said it was a foul but never a red card,” insisted Bruno Fernandes.
Guardiola's troubles stretch beyond absence of Rodri
Manchester City began without one of the outstanding individuals of last season.
Arteta returns to the French club that ‘ignited' his career
It was an approach that Mikel Arteta almost immediately dismissed, although there was a moment’s consideration due to a previous connection.
AHEAD OF THE GAME
The uncompromising banking drama Industry’ is raising the stakes. It’s smart, seedy, and offers a breath of fresh air in a television anseap full of superheroes, writes Nick Hilton
LET'S GET PHYSICAL
Jilly Cooper said she thinks running has taken the place of more intimate activities. Helen Coffey asks if she’s right and whether exercise is really to blame for our loss of libido
'I think that human lives have become a lot cheaper'
In his new book Resolution’, Irvine Welsh proves his writing has lost none of its bite. He speaks to Chris Harvey about how identity politics has played into the hands of the wealthy
Third British judge leaves role in Hong Kong court
A third British judge has left a top Hong Kong Court amid growing calls for them to step down over a China-imposed crackdown on dissent.
Putin is trying to ‘erase' Ukraine, tennis star warns
Russian president Vladimir Putin is waging war to try and wipe Ukraine off the map, the country’s top tennis player has warned.
Rat infestation threatening priceless museum artefacts
A rat infestation is threatening one of India’s finest collections of royal artefacts at the country’s own Albert Hall – now a museum in the Rajasthani city of Jaipur.