“Israel Launches First Major Ground Invasion of Lebanon in 18 Years Amid Escalating Hezbollah Conflict”

After 18 years, Israel has launched a significant military ground operation into Lebanon, escalating the conflict with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group. This invasion, which began in early October 2024, follows weeks of intense airstrikes that targeted Hezbollah positions and led to heavy casualties in both Lebanon and Israel. Hezbollah has responded by firing rockets into northern Israel, further fueling the conflict. Over 95 people have been reported killed in Lebanon in just 24 hours, and the fighting has displaced more than a million people.

This military action comes amid an already volatile situation following a year of border skirmishes and the killing of several high-ranking Hezbollah commanders. The situation is rapidly deteriorating, with fears that the conflict could further destabilize the region.

Israel’s recent military invasion into southern Lebanon in October 2024 marks the first major ground incursion in 18 years, intensifying its long-standing conflict with Hezbollah. The ground operation, described by Israel as “targeted” and “limited,” follows a series of deadly airstrikes that have killed over 1,000 Lebanese civilians and forced approximately a million people to flee their homes.

This invasion comes after months of border skirmishes, with Hezbollah firing deep into Israeli territory and Israel responding with heavy bombardments. The death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a targeted Israeli strike escalated tensions further, leading to calls from Hezbollah for a prolonged battle. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicated that the goal of the operation was to eliminate Hezbollah threats along the border, and the operation has included artillery support and precision airstrikes.

The conflict has sparked widespread displacement and destruction in Lebanon’s southern regions, the Bekaa Valley, and parts of Beirut. The situation remains highly volatile, with ongoing clashes and concerns that the fighting could spread across the region, drawing in other actors.