Israeli Forces Launch Ground Operations in Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have initiated a ground operation in southwestern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah militants, following intensified rocket attacks from the group into northern Israel. This operation is described as 'limited and targeted', with the IDF aiming to dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure and to respond to the recent killing of a senior commander, Suhail Husseini, in a precision strike in Beirut. Iranian officials have warned of retaliation if Israel strikes Iranian infrastructure, amid heightened regional tensions and a history of conflict exacerbated by the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. The UN has called for a diplomatic resolution as the conflict escalates further, with Israeli military operations expanding along the Lebanon border and air strikes causing significant damage in the region. Civilians in southern Lebanon have been advised to avoid coastal areas due to potential maritime operations. The ongoing violence has resulted in numerous casualties, including recent air strikes that killed firefighters in southern Lebanon.