Israel-Lebanon invasion LIVE: IDF troops cross border as civilians sent evacuation order
The IDF has launched small ground incursions into Lebanon as a US Official warned that a ground invasion was "imminent" sparking fears of an all-out war in the Middle East.
The Israeli military launched small ground raids against Hezbollah and sealed off communities in the north on Monday as Israeli artillery pounded southern Lebanon with more than 100 IDF vehicles including tanks massed at the border.
Israel has since issued immediate evacuations orders for civilians living within 500 meters of three buildings in the Dahieh district of southern Beirut.
State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Israel informed the US about special forces raids into Lebanon. Israel described them as “limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border,” per Miller.
There were no reports of direct clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants, who last engaged in ground combat on Lebanese soil during a monthlong war in 2006.
But a Western diplomat in Cairo whose country is directly involved in de-escalation efforts said an Israeli ground operation in Lebanon is “imminent.” The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, said Israel had shared its plans with the US and other Western allies, and conveyed the operation will “be limited.”
Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged fire daily since the war began in Gaza on October 7 last year, although not to the extent that is currently occurring. The escalation has stoked fears of a broader conflict that could devastate the Middle East.
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KEY EVENTS
Israeli airstrikes target Beirut's southern suburbs
Israeli airstrikes target Beirut's southern suburbs, hitting at least two locations, according to a security source.
Residents in the area reported seeing bright flashes followed by loud explosions.
This follows an earlier warning from the Israeli military, which said it would target specific buildings in the densely populated area, accusing Hezbollah of using them for military purposes.
Airstrike reported at Beirut airport
According to the local media, there has been an airstrike at Beirut airport.
It comes soon after IDF said they have dismantled a Hezbollah surface-to-air missile launcher storage facility approximately 1.5 kilometres from Beirut’s international airport in a precise airstrike.
Netanyahu issues dire warning to Iran
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Iran that there is "nowhere in the Middle East Israel can't reach" in a fiery warning ahead of what could be a full ground invasion of Lebanon.
Israeli special forces earlier today initiated daring raids inside Lebanon, signalling a potential ground offensive aimed at eradicating Hezbollah's rocket and missile units.
Netenhahu slammed Tehran, who provides financial support to Hezbollah, accusing the Iranian leadership of edging the nation towards disaster.
He said: "Every day you see a regime that subjugates you, makes fiery speeches about defending Lebanon, defending Gaza. Yet every day, that regime plunges our region deeper into darkness and deeper into war."
IDF issue more civilian warnings
IDF have issued more civilian warnings urging people to evacuate.
Writing on X, their spokesperson said: "We will be targeting these facilities very soon.
"For your safety and the safety of your loved ones - evacuate buildings immediately and stay away from them and from nearby buildings."
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\u2014 \u0627\u0641\u064a\u062e\u0627\u064a \u0627\u062f\u0631\u0639\u064a (@AvichayAdraee) September 30, 2024
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IDF dismantle Hezbollah surface-to-air missile launcher storage facility
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) say they have dismantled a Hezbollah surface-to-air missile launcher storage facility approximately 1.5 kilometres from Beirut’s international airport in a precise airstrike.
The IDF claimed the missile infrastructure posed a threat not only to Lebanese airspace but also to international flights.
This strike was part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to weaken Hezbollah’s military capabilities in Lebanon amid rising tensions.
IDF confirm Fateh Sherif's death
The IDF has confirmed that Fateh Sherif, the head of the Lebanon branch of the Hamas terrorist organisation, was killed in a targeted airstrike by the Israeli Air Force (IAF).
Sherif was reportedly involved in coordinating Hamas' activities in Lebanon with Hezbollah, as well as recruiting new members and securing weapons for Hamas in the region.
Israel issues immediate evacuation order
Israel has issued immediate evacuations order for civilians living within 500 meters of three buildings in the Dahieh district of southern Beirut.
IDF spokesperson said: "Urgent warning to the residents of the southern suburbs of Beirut.
"To all those present in the buildings specified in the specified maps and the buildings adjacent to them in the following neighborhoods: Lilac, Haret Hreik, Burj Al-Barajneh.
"You are located near interests and facilities belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah, and therefore the IDF will act against them forcefully.
"For your safety and the safety of your family, you must evacuate the buildings immediately, starting at a distance of no less than 500 meters."
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— \u0627\u0641\u064a\u062e\u0627\u064a \u0627\u062f\u0631\u0639\u064a (@AvichayAdraee) September 30, 2024
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Israel special forces cross into Lebanon ahead of possible ground invasion
Israel special forces have today crossed the border into Lebanon, with elite troops entering Hezbollah tunnels.
It comes ahead of a possible wider ground invasion later this week.
An Israeli official said they were targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, including weapons sites and command and control centres, in a bid to push the militants away from the Israeli border.
The official said: “They are targeting key sites which have been built across the border zone.
"The question now is what the US will do, and I just hope the US doesn’t get involved and pull us back."
