USA sends fighter jets to region
Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon could start soon
September 30, 2024, 6:34 p.m
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There are increasing signs of a ground offensive by the Israeli army in Lebanon. Defense Minister Galant announces a new phase in the war against Hezbollah. While US President Biden is promoting a ceasefire, the Pentagon is deploying additional soldiers and fighter jets to the Middle East.
According to US media reports, Israel is planning a limited ground offensive in Lebanon that could begin shortly. This was reported by the “Washington Post” and the broadcaster CBS, citing a US government official who stated that Israel had informed the USA of a corresponding plan. The operation could therefore begin within hours. According to information from the AP news agency, Israel has already begun its first small and limited ground operations on the Lebanese side of the border. There was no confirmation of this from the Israeli military.
US President Joe Biden did not directly confirm the media reports in an exchange with journalists. Asked whether he was aware of and agreed with Israel’s plans to launch a “limited operation” in Lebanon, Biden replied: “I know more than you think. And I agree with them stopping. We should have a ceasefire now.” Shortly afterwards, the US Department of Defense announced that it would send several thousand additional soldiers to the Middle East. The Pentagon said they are supposed to provide security and, if necessary, defend Israel. The additional deployment of several squadrons of F-15E, F-16, A-10 and F-22 fighter aircraft is planned.
“Next phase in the war against Hezbollah will begin soon”
Israeli Defense Minister Joav Galant also announced a new phase in the war against the terrorist militia Hezbollah. “The next phase in the war against Hezbollah will begin soon,” his office said in a statement. Galant announced this at a meeting with local government leaders in northern Israel. The new phase will serve the war aim of enabling Israelis who have fled the border area to return.
Almost a year after the start of the war in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army launched a large-scale military operation in Lebanon a week ago and has since been carrying out massive air strikes against the Hezbollah militia based there. In one of these attacks on Friday, their leader Hassan Nasrallah and other senior members of the militia were killed.
Galant then said that the killing of Nasrallah did not mean the end of the fight against the Iranian-backed militia. All “necessary means” would be used – in addition to the air force, if necessary, the navy and ground troops. In doing so, the defense minister fueled speculation about an impending Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon.