New Delhi: The Israeli Army has deployed additional tanks and armored vehicles along its northern border with Lebanon, signaling preparations for a potential ground offensive against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. This strategic move follows explicit orders for the military to remain poised for a possible incursion into Lebanon.Rising tensions with HezbollahIsraeli officials have issued stark warnings to Hezbollah, indicating that if the militant group continues its rocket attacks, Lebanon could face dire consequences akin to those seen in Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant addressed soldiers, emphasizing, We are striking Hezbollah from the air and sea... and you must prepare for a ground assault.The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated after the activation of communication devices used by the group on September 17 and 18, which Israel allegedly orchestrated. This recent escalation has led to a tragic toll, with reports indicating over 700 casualties in Lebanon, including women and children.LATEST: #Israel Yedioth Ahronoth and the #American newspaper #WashingtonPost show the deployment of a large number of tanks and military vehicles near the Lebanese border, in preparation for a possible ground operation in #Lebanon.#Hezbollah #TelAviv #MiddleEast ##MiddleEast pic.twitter.com/C6pJGQ6EJH— Daniyal Khalid (@daniyalkhalid08) September 27, 2024Aerial bombardments and humanitarian crisisOn Friday, Israeli forces intensified aerial bombardments in Lebanon, raising alarms of a humanitarian crisis reminiscent of the devastation in Gaza. At least 25 individuals were reported killed, with numerous others injured. The United Nations reported that within the last 72 hours, over 30,000 people, primarily Syrians, fled from Lebanon into Syria, seeking safety from the ongoing violence.Israeli military vehicles have been seen transporting tanks and armored vehicles to the northern border as commanders call up reserve forces. Additionally, the Israeli army has urged residents to evacuate homes near suspected Hezbollah ammunition storage sites.Netanyahus stanceIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to continue full force strikes against Hezbollah until the militant group halts its attacks. Our policy is clear, Netanyahu asserted. We are continuing to strike Hezbollah with full force, and we will not stop until we achieve all our goals, chief among them the return of the residents of the north securely to their homes.Meanwhile, Yemens Iran-aligned Houthis have targeted Israeli cities with missile strikes, signaling a broader regional conflict. In a televised address, their leader, Yahya Sarea, declared, We will carry out more military operations against the Israeli enemy in victory for the blood of our brothers in Palestine and Lebanon.International calls for ceasefireAmid the escalating violence, the United States, France, and other allies have jointly called for a 21-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. While Netanyahu initially rejected these proposals, he later indicated a willingness to engage in discussions to facilitate a ceasefire while continuing to target Hezbollah.US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that further escalation could complicate civilian return efforts on both sides of the border. He stressed the importance of reaching an agreement for a ceasefire to protect civilians.Humanitarian tollThe International Organization for Migration estimates that over 200,000 individuals have been displaced in Lebanon since the onset of Hezbollahs rocket attacks in support of Hamas following its assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. The toll on Lebanon has been catastrophic, with hospitals overwhelmed and reports indicating 1,540 fatalities.
