Israel announces invasion of southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah

Israel’s military forces crossed the border into southern Lebanon on Monday to conduct what its military described as “limited, localized, and targeted ground raids” against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. The offensive, which is aimed at pushing Hezbollah forces farther away from the Israeli border, is expected to last for days, not weeks, U.S. officials said.

Israel informed the U.S. that the intention of the incursion into southern Lebanon is to push Hezbollah forces farther from the Israeli border and target their infrastructure, including stockpiles and weapons, according to a U.S. official, a Biden administration official and a source familiar with the planning.

The offensive will be limited in duration and scope, possibly lasting for days, not weeks, the sources said, adding that the geographic reach will be limited.

Read more: NBC News