Israel Begins Ground Ops in Lebanon Targetting Hezbollah as Netanyahu Warns Iran

Israel-Hezbollah War: Israel on late Monday announced that it had begun its "targeted and limited ground operations" in Lebanon, despite international appeals for restraint. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) in a tweet said raids are being carried out based on the "precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorists and infrastructure in the Southern Lebanon.

"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 tweeted.

It further added that these operations were approved and carried out by the decision of the political echelon. Operation "Northern Arrows" will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and other arenas.

Here are the top and latest updates:

• 'We Understand...': White House Backs Israel's Incursion into Lebanon

The White House acknowledged Israel's ground operation in Southern Lebanon, saying "We understand the Israelis will be conducting limited operations to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure that could be used to threaten Israeli citizens. This is in line with Israel’s right to defend its citizens and safely return civilians to their homes."

• 13 Killed in Israeli Strikes in Gaza Camp

At least 13 were killed and several others were injured after Israeli strikes hit Gaza refugee camp, CNN reported quoting officials.

• 'I Reiterated Serious Consequences...': US Warns Iran

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin in a post on X said, "I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss security developments and Israeli operations.   I made it clear that the United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself. We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel’s northern communities."

" I reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border and made clear that the United States is well-postured to defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict.  I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel," he added. 

• In a brief announcement, the IDF said that it is striking Hezbollah targets in areas close to the Israeli borders, with the air force and artillery units carrying out attacks to support the ground forces. However, it gave no additional details on how long the mission would last, but asserted that it would continue "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."

• Explosion Heard, Smoke Flashed as Israel Begins its Operations:

As per media reports, explosions could be heard in southern Lebanon as Israel’s ground operation began. The sounds of outgoing artillery fire, drones and helicopters rang through the air.

• Nearly 95 were killed and 172 were injured in Israeli strikes in Lebanon in the last 24 hours, the Lebanese health ministry said.

• Israel Urges Residents in Lebanon to Evacuate

Amid the operations, Avichay Adraee, the Israeli military’s Arabic-language spokesperson urged Israeli residents who live nearby to move at least 500 meters away from the targeted buildings, as per media reports.

"We will target these facilities very soon. For your safety and the safety of your loved ones — evacuate the buildings immediately and move away from them and the neighbouring buildings."

• 'Nowhere in Middle East Israel Cannot Reach': Netanyahu's Fresh Warning to Iran

In a video statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a fresh warning to Iran, asserting that there is no place in the Middle East that Israel cannot reach amid rising tensions with Hezbollah.

"With every passing moment, the regime is bringing you -- the noble Persian people -- closer to the abyss," said Netanyahu.

"There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach," he added, warning the people of Iran that their "regime plunges our region deeper into darkness and deeper into war. Don't let a small group of theocrats crush your hopes and your dreams."

• UK to Charter Flight for Britons to Leave Lebanon:

The British government on Monday said that to will charter a flight for Britons in Lebanon who want to leave the country. The UK's  Foreign Office shared a link on X for the citizens in Lebanon to register themselves and urged them to wait for further guidance. No date for the flight has been provided yet.

• PM Modi Dials Netanyahu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialled Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and asserted that terrorism has no place in our world. The PM in a tweet said, “Spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability.”
 

• Biden Urges For Ceasefire

Amid the raging violence in the Middle East, US President Joe Biden pressed for a ceasefire in Lebanon on Monday. According to a Bloomberg report quoting an official, the US expected Israel to launch a limited ground incursion into Lebanon but said it has also cautioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ’s government against a larger and longer-term operation that risks a confrontation with Iran.

• Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost daily since the war in Gaza began, displacing tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon.

(This is a developing copy, more details are to be added)