The Israeli army has begun a "limited" operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. They carried out small targeted ground raids in villages near the Israeli border, focusing on the Lebanese threat to northern Israeli communities.
This operation has been planned for months and has been approved by political leaders. On Monday, Israeli artillery bombarded southern Lebanon and the army sealed off border communities.
Israel informed their ally the United States (US) of this incursion, which was described as limited and focused on Hezbollah infrastructure.
Airstrikes were heard in Beirut, with plumes of smoke visible from Hezbollah strongholds.
Although there has been no direct fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah since their war in 2006, tensions are rising.
A Western diplomat hinted that a larger Israeli ground operation in Lebanon might happen soon, but it would be limited.
Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged attacks on a daily basis since the Gaza conflict began, causing significant displacement on both sides.
Hezbollah has vowed to continue firing rockets until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza.
