ISRAEL PREPARING LARGE-SCALE GROUND OFFENSIVE IN LEBANON, OFFICIALS REPORT. (PHOTO).

 Israel preparing large-scale ground offensive in Lebanon, officials report

Israel is preparing to significantly expand its ground operations in Lebanon, to seize territory south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, according to Israeli and U.S. officials. The operation could become the largest Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon since 2006, potentially putting the country at the center of the escalating conflict with Iran.

A senior Israeli official said the plan mirrors tactics used in Gaza, targeting buildings used by Hezbollah to store weapons and launch attacks. The expanded campaign could result in a prolonged Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, raising fears of further civilian displacement and destruction. Lebanon’s government has expressed alarm over the potential devastation, while the Trump administration supports efforts to disarm Hezbollah but is pushing for measures to limit damage to Lebanese state infrastructure and for direct postwar talks between Israel and Lebanon.

The change in strategy came after Hezbollah and Iran launched a coordinated barrage of more than 200 missiles, prompting Israel to shift from limited containment to a full-scale operation. The Israeli Defense Forces have already had three armored and infantry divisions along the Lebanese border, with some units conducting limited incursions over the past two weeks. Reinforcements and additional reserves are being deployed ahead of the anticipated offensive.

Officials said the operation aims to seize territory, push Hezbollah forces north, and destroy weapons depots in villages. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem responded by calling the diplomatic track a failure, stating that resistance is the only option and promising gains through close combat if Israel advances.

The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders across southern Lebanon and, for the first time, for towns north of the Litani River and Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The fighting has already displaced around 800,000 civilians, and at least 773 people have been killed, many of them civilians.

The Trump administration has requested that Israel avoid bombing Beirut’s international airport or other state infrastructure, while Israel has agreed to spare the airport but will target locations it deems critical to Hezbollah’s operations, such as a bridge in southern Lebanon used to transport forces and weapons. Officials say Israel will consult Washington on further actions, with U.S. support deemed essential for the operation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has assigned former minister Ron Dermer to manage the Lebanon file during the war, coordinating with the Trump administration and preparing for potential negotiations with Lebanon. On the U.S. side, Trump adviser Massad Boulos has been facilitating contacts between Israeli, Lebanese, and regional officials to advance direct talks.

Lebanese authorities have indicated a willingness to hold immediate, unconditional talks on a ceasefire. U.S. officials hope these discussions could pave the way for a broader agreement to formally end the state of war between Israel and Lebanon, which has technically persisted since 1948.