Israel Calls Up More Reserves for Lebanon Offensive
On Tuesday, Israel's military (IDF) announced that it is calling up four additional reserve brigades to deploy to the northern front. This follows the commencement of a ground assault into Lebanon, named Operation Northern Arrows, the previous night.
The situation on the ground remains uncertain due to the fog of war. Hezbollah has even denied that Israeli forces have crossed into southern Lebanon, despite the IDF's statement that "limited" raids were taking place. Heavy artillery and Israeli airstrikes are reportedly preparing the battlefield for a larger infantry incursion.
Lebanese Army Withdraws, UN Troops in Position
It has been confirmed that the regular Lebanese Army has withdrawn approximately five kilometers from the border. A UN peacekeeping force has been informed of the offensive and UN troops are "in position". Israel has described its operations so far as "localized raids".
Evacuation Orders for Lebanese Villages
Israel's military has instructed at least 25 Lebanese villages to evacuate. The residents have been directed to move north of the Awali River. Some Lebanese Christian villages have been targeted, with inhabitants also being forced to evacuate.
Refugees Seek Shelter in Monastery
Local residents have reported that around 600 people sought refuge in a monastery on the Israel-Lebanon border after the Israeli army warned them to flee their Christian village of Ain Ebl. The villagers moved to the monastery in the town of Rmeish, which had not received an Israeli warning, and were waiting for an army convoy to escort them to Beirut.
Priest Injured in Airstrike
A prominent Greek Orthodox priest from these southern villages, who oversaw a church in Ibl al-Saqi, was critically wounded in an Israeli airstrike on Monday. There are conflicting reports about his condition, with some regional sources suggesting that Fr. Gregorius Saloum succumbed to his injuries.
Projectiles Fired from Lebanon
On Tuesday, Israel reported that multiple projectiles fired from Lebanon have fallen in central Israel, with some drones reaching as far as off the coast of Tel Aviv. The extent to which Hezbollah's missiles are actually reaching targets on the ground in central Israel is unclear.
Israeli Paratrooper Division Engaged in Fighting
The IDF has shared footage of its elite paratrooper 98th Division engaged in fighting in south Lebanon, with the support of the 7th Armored Brigade. Reports from Arab sources and the Lebanese side suggest that IDF troops have encountered strong resistance.
Ground Assault Expected to Last Weeks
Casualties on both sides are expected to be concealed from the public during the initial days of the ground war. Israeli military sources have predicted that the ground assault will take at least a few weeks.
Continued Bombardment of Hezbollah Strongholds
Israel has continued its heavy bombardment of alleged Hezbollah strongholds in the south Beirut suburbs. This is where Hassan Nasrallah and some of his top officers were killed in massive airstrikes by US-supplied "bunker buster" bombs last Friday.
Strikes Near Kuwaiti Embassy
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) has reported that a "violent enemy strike" targeted a building in Jnah, near the Zahraa Hospital in Dahiyeh neighborhood. Strikes have also reportedly hit a building very close to the Kuwaiti embassy.
Bottom Line
This escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon, particularly the ground assault dubbed Operation Northern Arrows, raises serious questions about the future stability of the region. The human toll, both in terms of lives lost and displaced individuals, is of great concern. What are your thoughts on this situation? Feel free to share this article with your friends to generate a discussion. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
