The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reportedly finalized the activation of two reserve infantry and tank brigades for operational missions in northern Israel amid indications that the IDF is preparing for an invasion of southern Lebanon.
This is according to Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF's top Arabic spokesperson, on Sept. 27. The announcement aligns with other preparations for the invasion and it comes as the Israeli Air Force continues its extensive bombardment of Lebanon that has so far resulted in over 700 deaths and the displacement of at least 70,000 people.
Adraee confirmed activating reservist elements of the Israeli Ground Forces' Etzioni Brigade and the Nahal Brigade and deploying them to northern Israel.
Media reports have confirmed military mobilization in northern Israel, noting how convoys of military vehicles have been spotted traveling north on mostly empty roads, and large trucks have been seen transporting tanks and other military equipment.
"It's a different type of war," said 20-year-old soldier Lior Papismadov, who previously fought in Gaza and is now being trained to fight in southern Lebanon's challenging terrain.
"We are prepared for it," he added, emphasizing the IDF's readiness for a potential ground invasion. (Related: Lebanon warns of “doomsday” response for West, Asia and Europe if Israel expands war.)
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel has long awaited an opportunity to confront Hezbollah, claiming the group is suffering from fear and internal issues. However, analysts express skepticism regarding an imminent invasion. Ori Goldberg, an Israeli political analyst, indicated that two brigades are insufficient for an invasion, especially given the larger forces deployed in Gaza against a weaker adversary.
Despite Israel's intense bombing campaign, Hezbollah appears to be maintaining its strength. Military affairs correspondent Yossi Yehoshua cautioned that Hezbollah has not yet utilized a significant portion of its capabilities, urging restraint amid rising optimism among some Israeli officials.
All signs point to impending Israeli invasion of Lebanon
IDF Chief of the General Staff Herzl Halevi stated that recent Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon are intended to prepare for possible ground operations and to degrade Hezbollah's capabilities.
In retaliation to recent airstrikes, Hezbollah has launched numerous projectiles into Israel, including a missile targeting Tel Aviv. The missile activation triggered air-raid sirens across central Israel, but no casualties were reported. Israel responded by striking the launch site in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah claimed it targeted the headquarters of Israel's intelligence agency Mossad with a Qader 1 ballistic missile, alleging that it was in retaliation for the recent targeted killings of many of its top commanders. This marked the first time a projectile from Lebanon has reached central Israel.
The ongoing conflict has disrupted life for over a million residents in northern Israel, leading to school closures and restrictions on gatherings. Many businesses in coastal cities like Haifa have shut down, and some residents who previously evacuated are facing renewed rocket fire.
Israel has transferred thousands of troops from Gaza to the northern border, with estimates suggesting Hezbollah has around 150,000 rockets capable of striking anywhere in Israel. Since last October, Hezbollah has reportedly fired approximately 9,000 rockets and drones.
The Lebanese health minister reported that ongoing Israeli airstrikes resulted in over 50 deaths, raising the total to 615 in just three days, with more than 2,000 injured. This week has been the deadliest in Lebanon since the 2006 war with Hezbollah.
In response to escalating tensions, the Israeli military announced the activation of reserve troops. By Wednesday, Israeli air operations had targeted around 280 Hezbollah sites, including missile launchers threatening northern Israeli cities.
As families flee to Beirut and Sidon, seeking shelter in makeshift accommodations, the United Nations reports over 90,000 displaced due to the violence. Since Hezbollah began its rocket attacks nearly a year ago, the total number of displaced people in Lebanon has reached 200,000.
Israel has committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens, while Hezbollah maintains its stance on continuing rocket attacks until a ceasefire is established in Gaza – a resolution that seems increasingly distant.
Watch this video of Lebanese teenager Celine Yassine reporting on how Israeli airstrikes have affected her city of Baalbek in eastern Lebanon.
This video is from the channel AllTheWorldsAStage on Brighteon.com.
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