Israeli officials mull large-scale ground operation in Lebanon within a week: Report

ISTANBUL

Israeli officials are holding discussions regarding the launch of a large-scale ground operation in Lebanon, which could take place within a week, Israel's public broadcaster KAN said on Thursday.

The aim of the operation “is to take control of southern Lebanon and establish key deployment points there,” KAN said.

Israel’s Security Cabinet is set to convene later Thursday “to discuss the extent of the army’s advance into Lebanon and the proposed duration of the operation,” KAN said, citing an Israeli source.

On March 2, Lebanese group Hezbollah began attacking Israeli military sites in response to repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon and the killing of Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike.

Israel retaliated by launching a military campaign in Lebanon, carrying out airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs and areas in the south and east of the country, and on March 3 began a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, the Israeli attacks have resulted in 687 deaths, including 98 children, and 1,774 injuries.

*Writing by Serdar Dincel