As Israeli ground forces crossed into southern Lebanon, the Beirut skyline was filled with the live view of this significant escalation in the yearlong war against Hezbollah militants. This move by Israel was announced in a brief statement, stating that they had begun “limited, localized and targeted ground raids” against Hezbollah targets in the south. While there have been no reports of direct clashes, the sounds of airstrikes and artillery fire could be heard throughout the evening in Beirut.
This incursion comes after weeks of heavy attacks by Israel on Hezbollah, including the killing of their leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an airstrike. The last time Israel and Hezbollah engaged in ground combat was during a monthlong war in 2006. The Lebanese army has redeployed troops in some observation points along the border with Israel, but has denied reports of moving several kilometers away from the border in preparation for a possible Israeli ground operation. The army has also stated that they are coordinating with United Nations peacekeepers in the area.
The Israeli military has warned people not to enter the area south of the Litani River, as it is currently experiencing “intense fighting.” Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has called for a de-escalation in the region and emphasized the need to protect civilians and the Italian military contingent of UNIFIL present in southern Lebanon. As the G7 rotating presidency, Italy is working with allies to stabilize the situation and assist in the return of displaced individuals to their homes.
Meanwhile, Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos has stated that large-scale evacuations from Lebanon have not yet begun, despite the Israeli ground incursion. Evacuations of third-country nationals to Cyprus are being done in a slow and controlled manner. Cyprus has agreements with around a dozen countries to act as a temporary host for their evacuated nationals before their repatriation. The “Estia” plan includes processing and providing accommodations for evacuees before they catch flights to their home countries. So far, Cyprus has received some staff from foreign diplomatic missions and a few Saudi nationals.
In summary, the situation in southern Lebanon remains tense as Israeli ground forces have crossed into the area. The Lebanese army is coordinating with UN peacekeepers, and the Israeli military has warned people to stay away from the area. Italy is working to de-escalate the situation, and Cyprus is assisting in the evacuation of third-country nationals.