Israel moves troops north, ramps up invasion into Lebanon

Israel is currently moving troops north and preparing for a potential invasion into Lebanon. This development comes amid ongoing tensions and near-daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group operating in Lebanon. Since the conflict's escalation on October 7, both sides have been involved in repeated skirmishes along the border, resulting in significant casualties.

Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, while speaking in one of his posts said, “In assessing the situation on the northern border: we will achieve victory here as well, no less than that.”

בהערכת מצב בגבול הצפון: גם כאן נשיג ניצחון, לא פחות מזה. pic.twitter.com/W1ugyXeMCT

— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) June 26, 2024

The Israeli Defense Minister recently stated that the military is ready to take action at the Lebanon border, highlighting that Israel views Hezbollah as an existential threat that must be addressed. This sentiment is echoed by various Israeli military officials, who have emphasized the increased likelihood of a ground offensive due to the ongoing security threats to Israeli residents near the border.

🚨🇮🇱🇱🇧BREAKING: ISRAEL MOVES TROOPS NORTH | PREPARING FOR INVASION INTO LEBANON

Netanyahu has stated IDF will shift focus to the Lebanon border as fighting in Gaza winds down.

According to Israel, Hamas has been severely weakened, but Hezbollah's ongoing missile threats from… https://t.co/Sg87RpMqEF pic.twitter.com/EtxQT324dS

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 26, 2024

Meanwhile, Israel has also shared some videos through officials X handle, which show fires, UAVs, missiles, and rockets everywhere.

Fires. UAVs. Missiles. Rockets.

These are all threats that civilians on our northern front face daily.

These are only 3 minutes out of the last 8 months. pic.twitter.com/frjwbFuyML

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 26, 2024

In addition to this, the Israel Defense Force officials X handle claimed that it had eliminated Wissam Abu Ashak, a Hamas terrorist involved in weapon smuggling from Rafah. Abu Ashak was killed by an IAF aircraft. He was involved in weapons smuggling operations for Hamas and directed smuggling through the Rafah Crossing and underground tunnels.

Wissam Abu Ashak, a Hamas terrorist involved in weapon smuggling from Rafah, was eliminated by an IAF aircraft yesterday.

Abu Ashak was involved in weapons smuggling operations for Hamas and directed smuggling through the Rafah Crossing and underground tunnels. pic.twitter.com/70KR2MTJKm

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 26, 2024

According to the reports, Hezbollah has been preparing for such a conflict, and despite engaging in aggressive actions, it has shown some restraint to avoid a broader war. However, Israel's military preparations suggest they are gearing up for a substantial and possibly extended conflict if diplomatic efforts fail to de-escalate the situation.

Germany, Netherlands, Canada ask people to fly back

Germany, Netherlands and Canada have urged its citizens to leave Lebanon for fear of war between Israel and Hezbollah. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has called for Canadians asked to depart while commercial flights remain in operation.

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La sécurité des Canadiens, au pays et à l'étranger, est notre priorité absolue.

La situation sécuritaire au Liban devenant de plus en plus instable, ce n'est pas le moment de se rendre dans ce pays. https://t.co/i1mPmkpstn

— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) June 25, 2024

Meanwhile, the German Foreign Minister has also cautioned people that miscalculation could trigger an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah.