Lebanon

The operations were intended to weaken Hezbollah's special forces, the 'Radwan Force,' and prevent it from attacking Israel and its citizens.

The invasion is expected to end within weeks, and should consist of several short special forces missions into southern Lebanon.

He noted the IDF's recent activities allowed the northern residents to see "in a visible time span of weeks, the return of life to the 200 thousand people who live here."

"Every IDF soldier who crosses the border fence into Lebanese soil knows that he is doing so to protect the citizens of Israel. May Hashem protect our soldiers."

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told press that while the US maintained its calls for a diplomatic solution, Israel has a right to defend itself against Hezbollah.

Fighting intensifies between Israeli troops and Hezbollah along the Israel-Lebanon border, raising concerns over escalating conflict and civilian safety.

The IDF had warned it would strike specific buildings in the neighborhood, a densely populated district south of the Lebanese capital, as fears grow of a looming ground invasion.

The Spokesperson referred to the southern suburbs of Beirut, stating that several of these areas contained Hezbollah facilities.

Division 98 was responsible for breaking the back of Hamas in Khan Yunis, its strongest fighting brigade, from December 2023 to March 2024.

Following extensive strikes in Beirut and Lebanon, the IDF believes Hezbollah is even more damaged than expected.