Israeli officials say Israel is preparing to significantly expand its ground operations in Lebanon, with plans aimed at seizing the entire area south of the Litani River and dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.
According to Israeli and U.S. officials, the operation could become the largest Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon since the 2006 war, potentially placing Lebanon at the center of the escalating regional conflict involving Iran.
The planned offensive follows a large-scale attack by Hezbollah, which reportedly launched more than 200 missiles toward Israel in coordination with Iranian strikes. Israeli officials said the attack changed earlier calculations that had focused on limiting escalation in Lebanon while prioritizing operations against Iran.
Israel’s objectives reportedly include pushing Hezbollah forces away from the border, capturing territory in southern Lebanon, and destroying weapons depots and military positions located in villages across the region.
The Israeli military currently has three armored and infantry divisions positioned along the Lebanese border, and has begun reinforcing troops and mobilizing additional reservists ahead of the expanded operation.
Officials say the campaign could involve extended ground combat and possibly a prolonged Israeli presence in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah leadership warned that any invasion would lead to direct ground confrontations with resistance fighters.
The escalation has already triggered mass displacement across southern Lebanon, with hundreds of thousands of civilians leaving their homes as Israeli airstrikes intensify.
