Tengrinews.kz - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is preparing a ground operation against the Lebanese radical group Hezbollah. This was announced on September 25 by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, as reported by DW.
Addressing soldiers of the 7th Armored Brigade, he stated that "your military boots, your maneuvering boots, will enter enemy territory."
"You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day. This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah," said Halevi, who was present at exercises simulating a ground offensive in Lebanon.
The Israeli Army Chief also promised a "very powerful response" to the launch of a ballistic missile from Lebanon towards Tel Aviv.
In turn, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his promise that tens of thousands of Israelis evacuated from areas bordering Lebanon in northern Israel will be able to return to their homes.
In Washington, there are views that a ground operation by Israel in Lebanon can still be avoided. However, U.S. President Joe Biden did not rule out a large-scale escalation of the war in the Middle East.
"A full-scale war in this region is possible, but there is also a chance to resolve the conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah and Hamas terrorist organization," he stated.
The authorities of European countries (Portugal, Denmark, Spain, France and the United Kingdom) are urging their citizens to leave Lebanon immediately amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Russian citizens in Lebanon have also been advised to leave the country.
Read also: Thousands of Lebanese have left their homes amid Israeli airstrikes
