Israeli forces crossed into Lebanon late PM Monday to “root out” Hezbollah fighters, launching a rescue of two captured IDF soldiers. The IDF calls these operations “limited, localized and targeted raids.”
The IDF more specifically stated that the raids are being carried out on “accurate intelligence” and are focused against Hezbollah terror targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. The pointed out that they are doing “all we will need so as to safeguard the men and women of Israel and return the people of northern Israel.”
The United States is staunchly attuned to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in which U.S. defense chief Lloyd Austin reassures America’s unflagging support for Israel when speaking with his Israeli counterpart, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Austin said the U.S. supports Israel defending itself against Iranian, Hezbollah, Hamas and other threats. The two officials also concurred that in the future, it would be crucial to dismantle the attack infrastructure on Israel’s northern border to prevent Hezbollah from launching attacks like Hamas did today. They also called for a diplomatic solution that would permit civilians in both neighboring countries to return home safely.
The IDF on Tuesday evening revealed that the strikes it has been firing at Hezbollah targets along the northern border of Israel are in locations deemed risk to Israeli communities. IDF spokesman, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, adds that Hezbollah have turned Lebanese villages into military bases to strike at Israel
Meanwhile, in preparation for the operations which will continue well into next week, Israeli soldiers from 98th Division including Paratroopers, Commando Brigades and the 7th Brigade have been undergoing intensive training over recent weeks. With their rich operational experience in recent years primarily in Gaza, these soldiers are accustomed to the northern front.
With tensions rising in the region, Pentagon officials on Monday said more U.S. personnel had been sent to the Middle East to help support Air Force squadrons. This comes after President Biden said he would not put combat troops on the ground. Instead, a boost in thousands more forces is expected to help security and provide air defense missions.
