Israel, in all likelihood, is preparing for a ground operation in Lebanon, its Army chief said on September 25. The statement was made soon after Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets across the border and a missile aimed at Tel Aviv, which was the militant group’s deepest strike yet.
Addressing troops on the northern border, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said the latest airstrikes were designed to ”prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah.”
In an apparent reference to the missile fired at Tel Aviv, he told troops: “Today, Hezbollah expanded its range of fire, and later today, they will receive a very strong response. Prepare yourselves.”
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden spoke to news channels and indicated and warned of the possibility of “all-out war” in the Middle East. “An all-out war is possible.” The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and warned, “Hell is breaking loose.”
Though a few days back, the Israeli military has said in recent days it had no immediate plans for a ground invasion.
The Israeli military said it hit more than 2,000 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon over the past three days.
With the situation on the ground intensifying, the Israeli military said on Wednesday it would activate two reserve brigades for missions in the north — another sign that Israel plans tougher action.
