CONFLICT
Israel’s military expands invasion into south-west Lebanon
October 8, 2024 - The IDF has deployed a fourth division of troops to the border with Lebanon, expanding its front with Hezbollah and bringing the total number of Israeli soldiers in this ground offensive to more than 15,000.
Israel and Hezbollah have continued to trade heavy fire as the Israel Defense Forces has signalled it may be expanding its ground military offensive in Lebanon by mobilizing its first reserve division to operate in the country’s southwest.
Hezbollah’s highest-ranking official, Naim Qassem, also has indicated that the group supports a 21-day cease-fire with Israel, though it has long said it would not agree to a more permanent truce without a cease-fire in Gaza as well.
The IDF said Hezbollah launched about 130 projectiles toward Israel in one hour on Oct 8, and Israeli strikes were reported across Lebanon. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes along the Israel-Lebanon border.