On Monday, September 30th, the U.S. State Department announced that Israel had informed the United States of conducting limited ground operations near the border between Lebanon and Israel against Hezbollah infrastructure.
According to Reuters, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters, “This is what they have told us, the actions they are currently undertaking, these actions are limited operations against Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.”
When asked to confirm if Israel’s actions were limited ground operations, Miller stated, “That is our understanding.”
Monday brought more indications that Israel is likely to deploy ground forces to Lebanon. Two weeks ago, the Israeli military began attacking Iran-backed Hezbollah militia, ultimately leading to the killing of many leaders including Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
A U.S. official, who requested to remain anonymous, told Reuters that Israel’s troop deployment indicates a ground assault may be imminent.
After two weeks of intensive airstrikes and a series of assassinations targeting Hezbollah commanders, Israel strongly hinted at commencing ground operations soon.
Israel’s attacks on armed targets in Lebanon are part of a broader conflict involving Iran-backed groups extending from Gaza and the occupied West Bank to Yemen and Iraq. The escalation has raised concerns about the United States and Iran becoming involved in the conflict.
Miller stated that the U.S. continues to support a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah; however, he added that military pressure can sometimes drive diplomatic efforts.
He also warned that military pressure could lead to miscalculations and unforeseen consequences.