Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon comes after over a week of intense air strikes targeting Hezbollah’s strongholds in the country. Southern Lebanon has been most affected, with strikes also targeting the eastern Bekaa Valley and in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

The Lebanese health minister stated in a press briefing that the death toll had quickly increased to more than 270, including 21 children and 31 women. In all, 1,024 people were hurt. Israel's military claims it struck more than 300 Hezbollah targets.

(Oct. 1, 2024 / JNS) — The Israel Defense Forces revealed on Tuesday that it had carried out dozens of secret ground operations into Southern Lebanon over the past year to reduce Hezbollah’s war-making capability, destroying the terror group’s tunnels and hidden weapons caches.

The group is estimated to be armed with 120,000 to 200,000 missiles and rockets. While it also claims to have around 100,000 fighters, this figure has independently been estimated to be about 50,000, including 30,000 active fighters and up to 20,000 reserves.

The incursion, described by Israel as “limited” and “targeted,” follows weeks of stepped-up attacks against the militant group and the killing of its longtime leader.

The ground invasion represents an escalating conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran-backed militants.

A view shows Lebanese southern villages, as seen from Tyre, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, southern Lebanon October 1, 2024. REUTERS/Aziz

Daniel Hagari told reporters that Israeli forces have crossed the border to collect information and destroy infrastructure belonging to the Hezbollah militant group. He says they also blew up tunnels and arsenals.