Beirut, Lebanon

Advertisment

As per a report by the Wall Street Journal, Israeli forces are "carrying out small, targeted raids into southern Lebanon, gathering intelligence and probing ahead of a possible broader ground incursion." The report said that the ground attack could happen as soon as this week.

The report suggests that as part of Israel’s wider strategy to weaken Hezbollah’s strength near the Israel-Lebanon border, these operations have included entering Hezbollah tunnels along the border. Amir Avivi, a former senior military officer in Israel, told the Wall Street Journal that a ground invasion is approaching, and these small raids are part of the preparation process.

“The IDF has made a lot of preparations for a ground incursion. Overall, this always includes special operations. This is part of the process,” Avivi told WSJ.

Advertisment

Hezbollah deputy leader says the group is ready for any ground attack

Meanwhile, Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, in a televised speech on Monday (September 29), said that they are ready for any potential Israeli ground invasion.

Qassem said Hezbollah would continue "confronting the Israeli enemy in support of Gaza and Palestine, in defence of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the assassinations and the killing of civilians."

Advertisment

He added, “We will face any scenario and we are ready if Israel decides to enter by land, the resistance forces are ready for any ground confrontation.”

Also read: Hamas confirms top leader Sharif Abu al-Amine killed in IDF strike in Lebanon

Qassem also confirmed that the group would soon choose a new secretary-general, saying, “We will select a new secretary-general for the party at the earliest opportunity and according to the party's selection mechanism.”

This marks the first address by a senior Hezbollah leader after the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli strike on Friday. Since then, Israel has not slowed down its attacks on Hezbollah and targeted as many as 120 strongholds within two days. Qassem now automatically assumes the leadership of Hezbollah, but the group’s Shura Council must convene to formally elect the next secretary-general.

(With inputs from agencies)