Israel said it has begun its widely expected ground offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon, following a build-up of tanks along the border.
"The IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon," the Israeli military said.
"These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel."
Avichay Adraee, a spokesman for the Israeli military, said "intense fighting" was taking place in southern Lebanon after Israeli forces entered the country.
The announcement comes after weeks of Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon that have killed hundreds of people, including several Hezbollah leaders.
Hezbollah has been bombarding northern Israel with rocket fire since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, forcing tens of thousands of Israelis to flee from their homes.
Many international backers of Israel had warned against a ground incursion into Lebanon, calling instead for a 21-day cease-fire.
Israel considers Hezbollah and Hamas, both backed by Iran, as terrorist organizations and has vowed to keep fighting until it destroys them.
00:00 Israel begins ground offensive into Lebanon
04:04 Hezbollah has said it is ‘ready’ for invasion
07:22 Hans-Jakob Schindler from the Counter-Extremism Project on offensive
12:08 William Wechsler from the Atlantic Council on Israeli raids
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