Israel’s Channel 13 reported on Friday that Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), has directed the preparation of plans for a potential ground operation in Lebanon, drawing lessons from the Gaza conflict.
The report added that Halevi has tasked Gen. Yoel Strick, the architect of Gaza’s ground operation plans, with devising a new ground strategy for Lebanon.
Since October 8, 2023, the Lebanese-Israeli border has experienced exchanges of gunfire between Hezbollah and Palestinian factions on one side and the Israeli military on the other, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Hezbollah’s Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah, declared that the Lebanese front is in support of Gaza. However, as clashes between Hezbollah and the IDF intensify, there are growing concerns about the situation escalating into a broader conflict.
The head of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), General Aroldo Lázaro Sáinz, has called for the prevention of further escalation between Lebanon and Israel, advocating for a political solution to the ongoing tensions.
In a statement highlighted by the United Nations Media Center, General Lázaro emphasized the recent events along the Lebanon-Israel front could jeopardize a political resolution, urging all parties to avoid further escalations.
According to the UNIFIL commander, there has been a worrying shift in the exchange of fire in recent days, while the UN peacekeeping mission actively works with involved parties to “ease tensions and prevent serious misunderstandings.”
