IDF Escalates Ground Offensive as Hezbollah and Iran Intensify Attacks

IDF Escalates Ground Offensive as Hezbollah and Iran Intensify Attacks

Zahava Schwartz

IDF Reinforces Ground Operations as Hezbollah Fires Rockets on Northern Israel

On Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the deployment of the 36th Division to its ongoing ground campaign in Lebanon, aimed at Hezbollah, a group backed by Iran. This escalation comes as Hezbollah launched a barrage of around 100 rockets towards northern Israel earlier in the day.

During the rocket attacks, roughly 10 rockets targeted the areas of Western Galilee and Haifa Bay, but no injuries were reported. Additionally, a long-range rocket was fired at central Israel, landing harmlessly in an open space without causing any alarms.

The IDF is intensifying its ground operations, with the 36th Division joining forces already involved, including the Golani Brigade, the 188th Armored Brigade, and the 6th Infantry Brigade. 

These units have been conducting localized raids against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon since Monday, targeting their infrastructure. The Israeli Air Force and 282nd Artillery Brigade are providing support for these operations.

Other units, such as the 98th Division and the 7th Brigade’s armored forces, have been preparing for these ground offensives for weeks, having shifted focus from their earlier engagements with Hamas in Gaza. As the operations progress, the IDF has been urging civilians in 24 villages across Southern Lebanon to evacuate, emphasizing that their aim is to avoid harming non-combatants.

In parallel, Israeli Air Force strikes have been targeting Hezbollah weapon production sites in Beirut, with prior warnings given to civilians in the area. The IDF has condemned Hezbollah’s strategy of hiding its weaponry within civilian areas, stating that their strikes are aimed at weakening Hezbollah’s military capacity.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has been briefed on the IDF’s efforts, observing captured Hezbollah weapons. He reiterated that dismantling Hezbollah, especially their Radwan forces, is crucial to restoring security in Israel’s northern region.

Halevi highlighted Israel’s strong air defense capabilities, which successfully thwarted most of the attack. He noted that when Israel decides to retaliate, it will do so with precise and unexpected force, following guidance from the country’s political leadership.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Tehran that it would face consequences for its aggression, stating that Israel’s air defense system played a critical role in minimizing the damage. He also thanked allies, including the United States and other nations, for their assistance in intercepting the missiles.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson, confirmed that while a small number of missiles hit central and southern Israel, most were intercepted. Hagari emphasized that Israel remains determined to defend itself against continued aggression from Iran and its proxies.

Reports indicate that Israel is weighing significant retaliation, potentially targeting Iranian oil facilities or other strategic sites. While a decision on the response has not yet been finalized, Israeli officials are coordinating closely with the United States to ensure regional stability.