Israel launches new phase in war on Lebanon with a ground invasion

Israeli forces have launched a ground invasion of Lebanon a day after it killed 95 people across the country, according to figures from the Lebanese Health Ministry.

The Israeli military claimed that its forces started “targeted ground raids” on villages in southern Lebanon, describing them as “limited, localized, and targeted” against Hezbollah.

These raids were backed by airstrikes and artillery, with strikes also hitting places across Beirut's southern suburbs last night too. Israel claims its troops have entered southern Lebanon, although Hezbollah denies they have crossed the border and Lebanese army say they have not yet observed such an invasion at the time of writing.

The UN peacekeeping force confirmed Israel notified them of a limited offensive, and the Israeli army warned residents of 25 southern Lebanese villages to evacuate north of the Awali River.

The Lebanese army has evacuated observation posts at the southern border and moved into barracks in nearby villages. This marks the fourth time Israeli troops have entered Lebanese territory in nearly 50 years, and the first since the 2006 war.