The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing for possible ground operations in Lebanon, though such actions will only be taken if deemed necessary, an IDF spokesperson told CNN. Speaking with Wolf Blitzer on Saturday, IDF spokesperson Peter Lerner said that Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi had discussed the option with reserve forces earlier this week.
The primary objective of the Israeli military, according to Lerner, is to restore safety and security in northern Israel, allowing the return of the 60,000 residents who evacuated the area due to ongoing tensions with Hezbollah. While ground operations are one option, the military’s immediate focus remains on safeguarding northern Israel.
Regarding the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Lerner explained that the IDF had targeted him due to his accumulation of a large arsenal of weapons—200,000 rockets, missiles, and drones—aimed at Israel. He also noted that Israel had been conducting extensive intelligence surveillance of Hezbollah since 2006 to understand the group’s capabilities.
Lerner further revealed that Israel had carried out airstrikes before and after Nasrallah’s death, successfully eliminating a senior Hezbollah intelligence official and key strategic assets belonging to the group.
