Israel is signaling the possibility of launching a major ground operation in Lebanon amid escalating conflict with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group and its growing tensions.
On 12 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said he has ordered the military to prepare to expand operations in Lebanon after Hezbollah launched its largest barrage of attacks since the renewed conflict began last week.
Israel expressed doubt over the Lebanese government's ability to disarm Hezbollah, despite Lebanese President Joseph Aoun's accusations that the militant group has "betrayed the nation."
Since the war began, Israel has already seized parts of southern Lebanon and has conducted several ground assault operations.
Most recently on Thursday, Katz said, "We will seize the territory and handle this ourselves," while the Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said additional brigades are being deployed to northern Israel with the possibility of further reinforcements.
The Israeli military continues heavy attacks across southern Lebanon, particularly in the Dahieh district of the capital Beirut, a key Hezbollah stronghold.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported nearly 700 deaths from Israeli attacks. Israeli evacuation warnings have forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes across southern and central Lebanon, with no end in sight to the intensifying fighting.
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Source:cnn