Israel is deploying additional forces and preparing for an expanded ground campaign to control southern Lebanese territory and dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, while Lebanon’s government remains engaged in diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire, Axios reported.
Israel is preparing to expand its ground operations in Lebanon, aiming to seize territory south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, Israeli and U.S. officials told Axios. The planned operation comes amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran-aligned forces, which has seen a surge in rocket attacks and cross-border hostilities.
A senior Israeli official told Axios that the military intends to replicate tactics used in Gaza, targeting buildings and facilities Israel says are used by Hezbollah to store weapons and launch attacks. “We are going to do what we did in Gaza,” the official said, according to the report. The official added that the objective is to take control of territory, push Hezbollah forces northward from the border, and dismantle military positions and weapons depots in southern Lebanese villages.