Jerusalem.- This Monday, Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced the commencement of a ground operation by the Israeli military in southern Lebanon, according to a statement from his ministry. Katz asserted that «the Israel Defence Forces have begun a ground operation in Lebanon with the aim of eliminating threats and safeguarding the inhabitants of Galilee and the northern part of the country,» following an assessment of the situation with senior military officials. Katz stated that «tens of thousands of Shia residents of southern Lebanon,» who have evacuated or are leaving their homes in that area due to warnings from Israel, «will not be able to return to their homes south of the Litani River until the safety» of the Israeli communities near the border is assured.
Israel announces the start of a ground operation in southern Lebanon.
