International Desk

Israel on Monday morning launched what it called “a limited ground operation” across its northern border into Lebanon targeting the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, prompting Lebanese caretaker PM to warn his country faces “one of the most dangerous phases” in its history.

There will be “no long-term occupation” of Lebanon, Israeli officials said, but declined to provide a timeline, reports CNN.

Previous military operations initially declared by Israel to be limited in their goals have proved to be anything but. Examples include Israel’s years-long occupation of southern Lebanon that began in 1982 with the stated aim of a brief and limited mission to destroy the Palestinian Liberation Organization.

More recently, Israel’s military declared a “limited” operation in Rafah, southern Gaza that has left the city in ruins.

Monday’s incursion, which Israel’s National Security Cabinet has called the “next phase” of its nearly a year of war with Hezbollah, marks the fourth time that Israeli soldiers have publicly entered Lebanese soil in nearly 50 years, and the first since Israel’s 34-day war in the country in 2006.

Israel’s incursion defies pressure from the US, a key ally, to reach a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah. The escalation in the war has killed more than 1,000 people, destroyed homes and displaced 1 million in Lebanon, authorities say.

Hezbollah said it launched strikes at soldiers in northern Israel following the incursion and also targeted Israeli spy agency Mossad’s headquarters. The Iran-backed group has vowed to continue fighting Israel in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, says the IDF has notified it of its intention to undertake limited ground incursions into Lebanon.

UNIFIL says in a statement that despite the developments in Lebanon, peacekeepers are remaining in position. It urges all actors to step back from escalatory acts.

“Any crossing into Lebanon is in violation of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a violation of (UN Security Council) resolution 1701,” UNIFIL says.

Earlier, Hezbollah assumed responsibility for a rocket fire on central Israel, saying it launched “Fadi-4” missiles at the Glilot Base near Herzliya, home to the IDF’s Unit 8200 and Mossad headquarters.

Two people were moderately injured in the attack and are receiving medical treatment.

Hezbollah said it had also targeted Metula, in northern Israel, twice this morning hours following the Israeli military’s incursion into Lebanon.

Hezbollah said a gathering of soldiers in Metula was targeted with artillery and rocket fire, and that they had successfully hit their target.

The attack was “in support of our steadfast Palestinian people” in Gaza, and “in defense of Lebanon and its people,” the group said.

The Israeli military said that “approximately five projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon. Some of the projectiles were intercepted and fallen projectiles were identified in the area,” without indicating where they had come down.

Sources: CNN, BBC, The National News