Quds News Network

Beirut (Quds News Network) – Hezbollah has firmly denied Israeli military claims that its forces have entered southern Lebanon and are engaged in direct combat with Hezbollah fighters. The denial comes after the Israeli army announced that its troops were fighting Hezbollah fighters in the region. In a statement, Hezbollah's media officer Mohammad Afif dismissed the Israeli reports, stating, "All Zionist claims that occupation forces have entered Lebanon are false." He emphasized that there have been no direct ground clashes between Hezbollah resistance fighters and Israeli forces. Afif further warned that Hezbollah's fighters are fully prepared to confront any Israeli forces attempting to cross into Lebanese territory. He referred to recent attacks on Israeli military targets, including the bombing of the Israeli 8200 intelligence base and a Mossad facility, as just the beginning. "We will inflict heavy losses on enemy forces that dare to invade Lebanese lands," Afif added. Meanwhile, CNN cited an Israeli security official who confirmed that no direct ground clashes had occurred between the Israeli army and Hezbollah, aligning with Hezbollah's statement. The official claimed that the size and nature of the Israeli forces involved suggest a 'limited operation', not a large-scale invasion akin to Israel's ongoing operations in Gaza. Similarly, The Washington Post reported that no Israeli ground troops had clashed with Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon. Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli army announced the launch of a ground operation in southern Lebanon, with Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee describing "fierce battles" taking place in the area. In a post on X, Adraee urged civilians to avoid traveling south of the Litani River until further notice. Israeli Public Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir confirmed that the army is facing "challenging conditions" in southern Lebanon. He also called this the "right time" to defeat Hezbollah and return residents of northern Israel to their homes, indicating the high stakes of the ongoing military actions. Israeli military sources confirmed that elite units, including the 98th Division's commandos, paratroopers, and the 7th Armored Brigade, were involved in the operation. However, Reuters reported that the forces deployed were primarily suited for limited operations, and there have been no reports of direct combat with Hezbollah. The Israeli army officially announced the commencement of the operation early Tuesday, stating that its forces had launched a "focused ground military operation" in southern Lebanon. The Israeli military clarified that the operation is being conducted under the supervision of the General Staff and Northern Command, with the stated goal of restoring security and allowing northern Israeli residents to return to their homes.

Hezbollah denies Israeli army claims of ground invasion in Lebanon

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