Early Tuesday, the Israeli military confirmed it had initiated “limited, localized, and targeted ground raids” against Hezbollah positions near the Israel-Lebanon border. These raids, backed by air and artillery support, mark the beginning of a long-anticipated ground invasion aimed at eliminating immediate threats to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

Residents in Lebanese towns near the border, including Aita al-Shaab, reported heavy shelling and the presence of helicopters and drones. This follows Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s earlier announcement that the next phase of the war would soon begin, focusing on securing the border region.

The conflict, which escalated after Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel, has since expanded to involve Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iranian-backed groups in Syria. On Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike reportedly targeted Mounir Maqdah, a Fatah commander in a Lebanese refugee camp, marking the first attack on that camp since hostilities began.

Israel’s airstrikes have also targeted Hezbollah strongholds, including Beirut’s southern suburbs. Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, warned that Hezbollah’s “resistance forces are ready for a ground engagement” as the group continues firing rockets deep into Israeli territory.