The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced early on Tuesday morning that they had begun ground raids in southern Lebanon.
"The IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon," the Israeli military said.
"These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel."
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. These targets are located in villages…
It added that the raids, known as Operation Northern Arrows, would continue in parallel to the war against Hamas in Gaza.
The announcement comes after weeks of Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon that have killed large numbers of Hezbollah leaders.
Many international backers of Israel had warned against a ground incursion into Lebanon, calling instead for a 21-day cease-fire.
Explosions over Beirut after IDF tells residents to evacuate
A number of large explosions were seen over Beirut overnight.
Security sources told news agencies Reuters and AFP that they were Israeli airstrikes.
"Six or seven Israeli strikes hit the southern Beirut suburbs," one Lebanese official told AFP, requesting anonymity.
The blasts came shortly after the Israel Defense Forces told residents of three districts in Beirut to evacuate.
"You are located near interests and facilities belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah group and therefore the IDF will act against them forcefully," Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said in a video posted on social media.
Israeli strike hits Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon
An Israeli strike hit a building in a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon, Palestinian sources told Reuters and AFP.
The strike reportedly hit a building in the crowded Ein el-Hilweh refugee camp near the Lebanese city of Sidon.
Palestinian security officials said the strike had targeted Mounir Maqdah, head of the Lebanese branch of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade.
The group has been designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union and other governments.
