The Israeli army says it has launched " ;limited and localized" operation against "Hezbollah" in South Lebanon, reported DPA, quoted by BTA.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched "targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence," the army said in a statement posted on the X social network. "The targets are located in villages near the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel," the text also said. The ground forces are supported by the Air Force, which carries out "precision strikes" on military targets in the area.
The IDF said in its statement that it "continues to work towards the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to protect the citizens of Israel and return the residents of northern Israel to their homes.
The text was released in "X" after hours earlier, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller announced that Israel had informed Washington about conducting limited ground operations in Lebanon.
A representative of the Lebanese security forces told DPA this evening that there are currently no Israeli tanks located near the Lebanese border.
A Lebanese military source told AFP that the Lebanese army is repositioning and regrouping its units along Lebanon's southern border.
The Israeli army carried out at least two airstrikes in southern areas of Beirut late this night, Reuters reported, citing BTA, citing the Lebanese security forces.
Reporters from the agency saw two flashes and heard loud explosions coming from the southern part of the city.
Earlier, the Israeli army warned that it would attack certain buildings in the southern suburbs of Beirut, indicating that there were sites of the Shiite group "Hezbollah". The occupants of the buildings were urged to evacuate immediately.
Families living in that part of the city told Reuters they had a hard time finding taxis that could get them to a safe distance fast enough.
In recent days, many people have fled the southern suburbs of Beirut due to increased Israeli strikes. However, the shelters are full and the evacuated citizens are forced to sleep on the streets, notes Reuters.
Syrian state television announced that its TV presenter was killed in an Israeli strike on Damascus last night, without giving further details, Reuters reported, citing BTA.
Earlier, Syrian air defense forces said they intercepted "enemy targets" three times that night. over the outskirts of the Syrian capital, which was rocked by explosions.
The Israeli army refused to comment on the announcement by Syrian state television, Reuters notes.
Israel has been striking Iran-linked targets in Syria for years. However, these attacks became more frequent after the attack by the Palestinian Islamist group "Hamas" against Israel from October 7.