When Israel Will Begin Ground Invasion in Lebanon: WSJ

Israel may start a ground invasion of Lebanon this week, according to the Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the situation.

“Israeli special units are conducting small-scale targeted missions into Southern Lebanon to gather intelligence and probe the ground prior to a possible ground invasion, which could occur this week,” the article states.

Sources for the publication indicated that the raids, which have included the infiltration of Hezbollah tunnels along the border, have been carried out over the past months and very recently.

At the same time, sources noted that the timing of any ground operation could change. Additionally, Israel is under strong pressure from the U.S., which is demanding that a large-scale invasion not take place.

“It remains unclear how long Israel seeks to hold the territory, or if the invasion will resemble a series of larger campaigns,” the Wall Street Journal concludes.

Former Israeli high-ranking military official Amir Aviv described the ground invasion as inevitable during a conversation with the publication, stating that the operations are part of the preparations.

“The Israeli army is very much prepared for a ground invasion [...], generally, it includes special operations. It’s part of the process,” he said.

Since the morning of September 23, Israeli aviation has begun massive strikes directed at Southern and Eastern Lebanese settlements. The Chief of Staff of the IDF, Herzi Halevi, has announced the launch of Operation “Northern Arrows,” and two days later, indicated preparations for a ground invasion into Southern Lebanon.