Israel appears to have begun a limited ground incursion in Lebanon, U.S. officials say
Israel Launches Operation Against Hezbollah in Lebanon
US officials have told NBC News that Israeli troops have crossed the border into Lebanon to attack Hezbollah, a move aimed at delivering a decisive blow to the heavily armed militia. According to Israeli officials, the goal of the operation is to push Hezbollah fighters north of the Litani River, creating a buffer zone along the Israeli border.
Limited Geographic Reach, Brief Campaign
The US official informed NBC News that Israel had planned a broader campaign, but the US pushed to scale it back, describing the operations as brief, not weeks-long, with a limited geographic reach. The official emphasized that Israel had informed the US ahead of time about the operation.
Hezbollah’s Fighting Force
Hezbollah claims to have 100,000 fighters, although independent analysts estimate the real number is around half that. Regardless, the militia has a dedicated force fighting on its home turf. In the heart of Beirut, Marar Square is filling up with internally displaced people who have fled areas under attack by Israel.
Fears of Wider Conflict
American officials are concerned that the mission could expand over time, leading to a wider conflict. Israel’s operation is taking place in the midst of a tense situation, with the possibility of an Israeli invasion of Lebanon looming. The US has called for a ceasefire, with a senior official telling NBC News, "We should have a ceasefire now."
History of Buffer Zones
This is not the first time Israel has attempted to create a buffer zone with Lebanon. In 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon to create a similar zone, only to withdraw nearly 20 years later. The experience serves as a reminder that it is often easier to start a war than finish one.
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