Israeli Ground Troops Cross the Blue Line

Israeli ground troops crossed into Lebanon for the first time since October 7 late Monday night to conduct what the Israel Defense Forces (idf) called “limited, localized and targeted ground raids.”

Reason: The objective is to secure the region so Israelis can return to their homes in the north.

If the state of Lebanon and the world can’t push Hezbollah away from our borders, we have no choice but do it ourselves.
—Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, idf spokesperson

Details: The raids zeroed in on several Lebanese villages where Hezbollah terrorists were operating. The idf urged at least 20 Lebanese towns to evacuate, saying, “Any home used by Hezbollah for its military needs is expected to be targeted.”

Meanwhile in northern Israel, the border towns of Metula, Misgav Ama and Kfar Giladi were declared military zones. Hezbollah fired rockets into the area of Metula on Tuesday morning; some were intercepted and others exploded in open areas.

Allied support: The United States supports Israel’s ground operation, despite President Joe Biden previously saying it would not.

The Pentagon announced on Monday that it will send a “few thousand” troops into the region in addition to the 40,000 already stationed there. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin posted on X, “I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel.”

Chaos is quickly developing in Lebanon as thousands of civilians flee conflict in the south and Hezbollah loses its leaders and its support from Iran. Ultimately, Hezbollah will be removed, allowing Lebanon to enter into another alliance.

Learn more: Read “Why We Told You to Watch Lebanon.”