The American television channel ABC News, citing American officials, claims that Israel's small-scale ground operations in Lebanon may have already begun or will begin in the near future.
"Small—scale operations or "border movements" in Lebanon with the aim of destroying Hezbollah positions right on the border have already begun or will begin soon," the report said.
Officials told the channel that, apparently, Israel has not yet made a final decision on the ground operation, but is ready for it. According to these officials, the scale of the operation, if it begins, will be limited. The key goal, according to them, will be the return of displaced residents of the north of Israel to their homes. However, to achieve this goal, they claim, the elimination of Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrullah will not be enough.
Since last week, the Israeli Air Force has been carrying out massive strikes on Hezbollah targets in various parts of Lebanon. Several targeted air strikes on Beirut were also recorded, as a result of which high-ranking Hezbollah commanders, including Nasrullah, were eliminated. To date, the Israeli army has reported strikes on several thousand targets. Observers note that Israel has not attacked Hezbollah with such intensity since the Second Lebanon War in 2006.