Israel’s military begins ‘targeted raids’ in southern Lebanon ahead of potential invasion.
What we’re covering
• Israel’s National Security Cabinet has approved the “next phase” of its war with Hezbollah, ahead of a widely expected ground invasion of Lebanon, according to Israeli national broadcaster Kan, a CNN affiliate. This comes as the Israel Defense Forces conducted raids Monday and restricted movements in some Israeli border communities. The US believes Israel could imminently launch a more limited ground incursion into southern Lebanon than originally planned, an official says.
• Airstrikes hit inside Beirut’s city limits early Monday, for the first time since October 7. The attack comes days after Israel assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The escalation in the war has killed civilians, destroyed homes and displaced 1 million people in Lebanon.
• Hezbollah said it would choose a leader to succeed Nasrallah as soon as possible. The group also vowed to continue fighting Israel in support of Palestinians, even after a growing number of senior figures were killed.
• Ramping up its attacks on multiple fronts against Iran-backed militants, Israel has launched strikes targeting the Houthis in Yemen. An Israeli strike has also killed Hamas’ leader in Lebanon.
Israeli military says “targeted raids” have begun in southern Lebanon
From CNN’s Lauren Izso and Tara John
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says its troops have begun “limited, localized and targeted raids” against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.
“In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon,” the IDF wrote in a statement.
“These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel,” the statement read more…….https://rb.gy/kthqji