Israeli Military Hints at ​Ground Operation in Lebanon ⁢Amid Escalating Conflict

Israeli military ‍releases Northern Commander’s remarks, sparking concerns about an escalation‍ of ‌the war.

The Israeli military,​ conducting large-scale airstrikes targeting the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, hinted at a ground operation, raising concerns about an‍ escalation of​ the war.

According to major ‌foreign media‍ reports, Ori Godin, commander of⁣ the Israeli army’s northern⁤ command, visited the 7th ⁤Armored Brigade ‍under his command and‍ said, ⁢”We have entered a new ​phase of the war and are now carrying out Operation ⁤’Northern Arrow.'”

Commander Godin stressed that “from the beginning, this operation has caused great damage to Hezbollah’s firepower and other capabilities, and‌ has ‍dealt‌ a⁢ heavy blow to the organization’s commanders ‍and members,” adding that ⁣”we must change the ⁣security situation⁢ and be fully prepared for ‘mobility and action’.”

The local daily ​Times ⁣of Israel interpreted General⁤ Godin’s ⁣remarks as a reference to the possibility ‌of a ground operation in Lebanon. The Jerusalem Post interpreted them as a reference to an “invasion ‍of Lebanon.”

The Israeli military said in a separate statement‌ that it​ was “calling up two reserve brigades​ for operational operations in the northern region (northern Israel bordering Lebanon)”,‍ adding that “this will allow us to continue the fight‍ against the⁣ Hezbollah terrorist group, defend Israel, and create conditions⁢ for the northern⁤ people to return home.”

The international community is expressing concern about these signs ⁣of escalation. Pope Francis emphasized, “I ​urge the international community to do everything possible⁢ to ⁢prevent ‍a‌ terrible escalation of the⁢ Middle East conflict,” regarding the‌ large-scale Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, saying,‍ “This is unacceptable.”