TEL AVIV, Oct 1 - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched a limited ground operation in the border areas of southern Lebanon, the army said in a statement.
"In accordance with the decision of the political leadership, the IDF launched limited, localized and targeted ground raids a few hours ago, based on accurate intelligence, against targets and infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist movement in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages near the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel," the statement said.
The army stressed that "the IDF is operating according to the methodical plan set by the General Staff and the Northern Command, which IDF soldiers have been practicing and preparing for in recent months." "The Israeli Air Force and IDF artillery are supporting the ground forces with precision strikes on military targets in the area," the statement added.
"These operations were approved and carried out in accordance with the decision of the political echelon. Operation Northern Arrows will continue in accordance with the assessment of the situation and in parallel with the fighting in Gaza and other areas. The IDF is continuing operations to achieve the war aims and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the residents of northern Israel to their homes," the army stressed.
On 23 September, Israel launched Operation Northern Arrows against the Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah and carried out massive airstrikes against its military targets. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in one of the strikes in Beirut on 27 September. The movement confirmed his death and vowed to continue confronting Israel.
Tensions in the Middle East flared again on 7 October 2023, when Hamas gunmen launched a surprise attack on Israeli territory from Gaza, killing residents of Israeli border settlements and taking over 240 hostages, including women, children and the elderly. In response, Israel launched a military operation in the Palestinian enclave with the aim of destroying Hamas' military and political wing and freeing all hostages. Hostilities in Gaza continue to this day.
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