BEIRUT — Israel's anticipated ground invasion of Lebanon appeared to commence early Tuesday (Oct 1), with the military announcing the start of "limited" raids against Hezbollah targets near the border.

In a statement, the military indicated that it had initiated "limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence" aimed at Hezbollah in southern Lebanese villages posing "an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel." The air force and artillery are providing support through "precise strikes."

Residents in the Lebanese border town of Aita al-Shaab reported heavy shelling and the sounds of helicopters and drones above. Flares were repeatedly deployed over Rmeish, illuminating the night sky.

On Monday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed local council leaders in northern Israel that the next phase of the conflict along Lebanon’s southern border would begin soon, aimed at facilitating the return of Israelis who fled from Hezbollah rockets during nearly a year of border warfare.

Smoke was seen rising over Beirut’s southern suburbs following a strike, amid ongoing clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as viewed from Sin El Fil, Lebanon, on Oct 1, 2024.

This ground invasion marks an escalation in the Middle East conflict between Israel and Iranian-backed militants, triggered by a deadly Hamas raid into Israel nearly a year ago, which now risks involving the US and Iran.

The operation follows Israel’s deadly destruction of booby-trapped Hezbollah communication devices, two weeks of airstrikes, and the recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, marking a significant blow to the group.

Intensive airstrikes have reportedly eliminated several Hezbollah commanders but also resulted in around 1,000 civilian deaths and displaced one million people, according to the Lebanese government.

Overnight, strikes targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, with a security source reporting loud explosions after the Israeli military warned residents to evacuate areas near buildings housing Hezbollah infrastructure south of the capital.

In the past 24 hours, at least 95 individuals have been killed and 172 wounded in Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and Beirut, as reported by Lebanon's health ministry early Tuesday.

Hezbollah's deputy leader Naim Qassem, speaking publicly for the first time since Nasrallah’s death, stated that "the resistance forces are ready for ground engagement," noting that Hezbollah has continued to launch rockets into Israeli territory.

"We know that the battle may be long. We will win as we did in the liberation of 2006," he remarked, referencing the last significant conflict between the two groups.

Late Monday, Lebanese troops reportedly withdrew about five kilometers from their positions along the southern border with Israel, although a Lebanese army spokesperson did not confirm this movement.

Historically, Lebanon's army has maintained a neutral stance during major conflicts with Israel, and during the past year of hostilities, it has not engaged the Israeli military.

The White House and US State Department did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding Israel's ground operations in Lebanon. However, on Monday, US President Joe Biden called for a ceasefire, expressing concern and stating, "We should have a ceasefire now."

Israel recently dismissed a proposal from the US and France for a 21-day ceasefire along the Lebanon border to allow for a diplomatic resolution that would enable displaced civilians on both sides to return home.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters