JERUSALEM, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned on Monday of an impending new phase in Israel's offensive against Hezbollah, amid reports of planned ground operations in Lebanon.
"The next phase of the war against Hezbollah will start soon and bring a significant change in the security situation," Gallant told local authorities near the Israel-Lebanon border, adding it would allow Israel's northern residents to return home.
Israeli media reported military build-up along the border, with Channel 12 suggesting preparations for a ground attack. Senior officials have previously hinted at plans to establish a "buffer zone" between Lebanon and Hezbollah.
The Washington Post, citing U.S. security officials, reported that Israel had informed the White House of plans for an imminent, limited ground campaign in Lebanon.
Since Sept. 23, Israel has intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, culminating in a significant strike on Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut that reportedly killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and many of his associates.
This escalation has intensified ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, prompting retaliatory Israeli artillery fire and airstrikes in southeastern Lebanon. ■