Israel’s ground offensive in Lebanon is ongoing and it emphasizes that it has no intention of long-term occupation. The White House is -informed and supportive-

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On October 1st, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they have launched a “limited” ground operation in Lebanon following discussions with the United States, which has voiced its support for the initiative. This military action, which has included recent airstrikes near the Lebanese border, aims to mitigate immediate threats from Hezbollah and curb any infiltration into northern Israel.

An Israeli official asserted that the operation is not intended for a prolonged occupation, stating, “We will not be conducting a prolonged occupation of southern Lebanon.” However, specific details regarding the extent of the military incursion and its duration remain undisclosed.

According to a report from CNN, Israeli officials characterized the ground operation as “limited in scale,” with a focus on neutralizing threats along the border. The U.S. Department of Defense confirmed that a consensus was reached after a conversation between the U.S. and Israeli defense ministers on September 30, emphasizing the importance of dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure to prevent incidents like last year’s Hamas attack.

A spokesperson from the White House National Security Council indicated that they were informed about the operation in advance and reiterated Israel’s right to self-defense, while also recognizing the risks associated with a potential expansion of the mission.

A New York Times reporter observed a significant movement of military vehicles, including numerous Humvees carrying fully armed soldiers equipped with night vision gear, heading into Lebanon. Additionally, a fleet of logistics trucks, some of them armored, was seen advancing northward.

Satellite imagery analyzed by The Washington Post highlighted a convoy of Israeli armored vehicles and tanks making their way toward Lebanon. The IDF designated three towns in the northern region as closed military zones on September 30.

Miri Eisin, a former senior intelligence officer, pointed out that much of Hezbollah’s elite “Radwan” unit has retreated to underground facilities in the vicinity. She remarked, “These underground installations cannot be destroyed from the air; ground entry is essential to reach those areas.”