Tel Aviv, Sep 28 (V7N) – Israel is preparing to launch a ground operation in Lebanon, intensifying its military campaign against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group. This development comes amid ongoing airstrikes targeting Lebanese civilians, which have claimed more than 700 lives and injured thousands over the past week.

An Israeli security official, speaking anonymously to AFP, confirmed on Friday that preparations for the operation are underway and could commence at any time. "We are preparing every day for this campaign, and it is part of our plans," the official said. However, the exact timing of the operation has not yet been disclosed.

The announcement follows increased airstrikes by Israeli forces, which have reportedly weakened Hezbollah's military strength. Despite calls for a ceasefire by the United States and France, Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, rejected the proposal for a 21-day truce, vowing to continue the offensive. "There will be no ceasefire in the North. We will fight with all our strength to bring safety to the residents of the northern region," Katz said in a statement on Thursday.

The conflict escalated after Hezbollah declared war on Israel in response to the latter's operations in Gaza, which began following a major military attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Since then, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have killed over 41,000 Palestinians, most of whom were women and children, and injured more than 100,000.

The looming ground operation in Lebanon threatens to further destabilize the region, as Israeli forces continue their military offensive against Hezbollah and its civilian supporters, despite mounting international pressure for a ceasefire.

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