The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced on Wednesday that two reserve ground brigades have been mobilized and sent to the Israel-Lebanon border in response to the growing tensions with Hezbollah. This move follows Israel’s heaviest airstrikes in the region since 2006, which took place earlier this week.
According to an official statement from the IDF, the decision to mobilize the brigades was made following a “situational assessment.” The troops will support “operational activities on the northern front” and assist in combat efforts against Hezbollah, as well as ensure the defence of northern Israel. The IDF also emphasized that the deployment aims to “create conditions” for residents of northern Israel to safely return to their homes.
On Monday and Tuesday, Israel carried out extensive airstrikes across Lebanon, the largest such operation in 17 years. The bombardment has resulted in over 550 deaths and more than 1,800 injuries, displacing thousands of Lebanese residents.
The conflict showed no signs of de-escalating on Wednesday as Israel launched further airstrikes in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh area and the Bekaa Valley. In response, Hezbollah fired at least 40 rockets into Israel, including a long-range missile that triggered air raid sirens as far as central Israel, including Tel Aviv.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated sharply, raising concerns about the possibility of a broader conflict in the region.
