Israeli ground forces launched an incursion into southern Lebanon earlier today, October 01, in violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
“These localised ground raids will target Hezbollah strongholds that threaten Israeli towns, Kibbutzim and communities along our border.,” the spokesperson for the Israeli Defence forces said.
“For decades, UN Security Council resolutions have called on Lebanon to make sure that its territory is free of non-governmental armed groups. U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 from 2006, agreed upon by Israel and Lebanon, requires that there be no armed personnel assets and weapons other than those of the government of Lebanon and UNIFIL in southern Lebanon,” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said to justify the operation.
UNIFIL issued a statement, calling both Israel and Lebanonto recommit to the resolution 1701.
It added that “any crossing into Lebanon is in violation of the” said resolution.
Later in the day, sirens sounded in central Israel after “projectiles” were fired from Lebanon, the Israeli military said.
The Israeli incursion follows weeks of heavy blows by Israel against Lebanese militant group Hezbollah which began firing rockets into northern Israel after the start of the war in Gaza.
Civilians living far from the border are not spared. Deadly Israeli bombardments on the capital Beirut have continued.