Israeli ground troops enter Lebanon amid escalating conflict with Hezbollah

New Delhi, Oct 1: Israeli ground forces have crossed into southern Lebanon in what the Israeli military describes as a "limited, localised, and targeted" operation against Hezbollah. The move defies growing international calls for de-escalation, as the region continues to reel from intense conflict.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the operation in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), explaining the nature and objective of the mission. The statement reads in full:

IDF Statement:

"In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel. The IDF is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command which IDF soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months. The Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery are supporting the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area.

These operations were approved and carried out in accordance with the decision of the political echelon. Operation 'Northern Arrows' will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas. The IDF is continuing to operate to achieve the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes."

As part of the operation, a military spokesperson later urged residents of around 25 Lebanese villages to evacuate the area, signalling the possibility of further escalations.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati has warned that the country is facing "one of its most dangerous phases" as the conflict intensifies. He stated that up to one million people have been displaced since Israeli air strikes began, with more than 1,000 people killed in the past two weeks. Mikati made an urgent plea for increased humanitarian assistance, speaking during a meeting with United Nations organizations, where a humanitarian appeal for over $426 million was launched to aid displaced civilians.