Next phase of war, on Lebanon border, will begin soon, says Israeli defence minister
US official said Israeli troop positioning suggests that a ground incursion into Lebanon could be imminent
The next phase of the war along the southern border of Lebanon is set to begin soon, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Monday, as at least two US newspapers reported that special forces may have already made short incursions.
“The next stage in the war against Hezbollah will begin soon,” Gallant told a meeting of local council heads in northern Israel, according to a statement from his office.
He said the next phase would contribute to achieving the war aim of returning residents evacuated from the area to their homes.
Israel launched small ground raids against Hezbollah as it prepares for a larger ground operation in Lebanon, officials said on Monday.
A US official said Israel has informed the US about the raids that are under way and that Israel has not provided timing on plans for a larger operation.
The US has not told Israel to halt all of its operations in Lebanon and would not do so as Washington supports Israel’s right to defend itself, according to the official.
A Western official, a diplomat in Cairo whose country is directly involved in de-escalation efforts, said an Israeli ground operation in Lebanon is “imminent”. The diplomat said Israel has shared its plans with the United States and other Western allies and that the operation will “be limited”.
Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation. It was not clear if Israel had made a final decision on a broader operation. The Israeli military did not comment.
