The military stand-off in , Israel is finalizing plans for a major expansion of its ground operations in the south.
According to Israeli and American officials, the objective of the operation is the occupation of the geographical zone south of the Litani River and the complete dismantling of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. It is the biggest ground invasion of Israel’s northern neighbor since 2006, a development that threatens to turn Lebanon into the center of the escalating war with Iran.
The strategic change of Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv’s stance changed sharply after last Wednesday’s massive attack, when Hezbollah, in coordination with Tehran, fired more than 200 rockets at Israeli soil. A senior Israeli official stressed that while the Netanyahu government was initially preparing for a ceasefire, the attack made the massive operation a one-way street.
In this context, the Israeli army has already deployed three divisions to the border, mobilizing additional reserves and issuing evacuation orders that now also concern areas north of Litani, as well as strongholds of the organization in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Washington’s role and the diplomatic background
The Trump administration appears to be supporting the Hezbollah disarmament operation, but is pushing to limit damage to Lebanon’s state infrastructure. Although Israel has reportedly agreed to exempt Beirut’s international airport from bombing, attacks on bridges and highways continue, with Tel Aviv citing their use for arms trafficking.
In the diplomatic background, Prime Minister Netanyahu has assigned his close aide, Ron Dermer, to handle the Lebanon file. On the American side, adviser Mashad Boulos is holding consultations with Arab officials, with the goal of opening direct negotiations that could lead to a historic agreement to end the 1948 state of war.
Humanitarian impact and Hezbollah’s response
At the same time, the humanitarian crisis is taking on dramatic proportions, with around 800,000 Lebanese displaced and the death toll constantly rising. The government of Lebanon expresses strong concern about the total destruction of the country, but declares that it is ready for talks without conditions.
For his part, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has rejected diplomatic efforts, arguing that resistance is the only option and calling the impending ground invasion a trap for Israeli forces. As operations escalate, the international community is watching with marked concern the possibility of a new prolonged occupation of southern Lebanon.
