Israeli reports: IOF preparing plans for a possible ground offensive in southern Lebanon

Beirut (Quds News Network) – The Israeli occupation army, led by Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, is reportedly preparing plans for a possible ground offensive in southern Lebanon, drawing lessons from the ongoing onslaught on Gaza, according to Israeli Channel 13.

The channel stated that Halevi assigned General Chiko Tamir, who was responsible for planning the ground operation in Gaza, to devise plans for a new ground operation in Lebanon.

Simultaneously, a Lebanese newspaper close to Hezbollah reported that Israel informed European countries that it set a deadline until March 15 to reach a political settlement with Lebanon. If not, Israel claims it is prepared to escalate military operations into a widescale war.

The Lebanese-Israeli border has witnessed mutual shelling since the outbreak of the Israeli aggression on Gaza in October 2023.

The same sources warned that Israel’s discussion of the deadline raised concerns among Western countries. These countries believe that all efforts should be made to support ongoing U.S. and French initiatives to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, initiate a long-term secure border settlement, and ensure the return of displaced individuals on both sides of the border.

According to these sources, the political track is insufficient for reassurance despite the U.S. insistence on framing the initial agreement between Beirut and Tel Aviv. However, these sources emphasized that any discussion of political arrangements in Lebanon and a ceasefire would not be feasible as long as the aggression continues in Gaza.

U.S. Presidential Envoy for Energy Affairs Amos Hochstein, during his recent visit to Beirut, stated that any ceasefire agreement in Gaza does not necessarily extend automatically to Lebanon.

Against the backdrop of the destructive Israeli war on Gaza, the Lebanese-Israeli border has witnessed exchanges of gunfire since October 8, 2023, between Hezbollah and Palestinian factions on one side and the Israeli Army on the other.

This has resulted in casualties and injuries on both sides of the border. Recently, Israeli officials have escalated threats to expand attacks into Lebanese territories unless Hezbollah fighters withdraw north of the Litani River.