Why Israel may be preparing its biggest ground invasion into Lebanon since 2006

Plan could see Israeli forces seize territory south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure in the largest ground operation since 2006.

• Israel plans major ground operation in Lebanon against Hezbollah
• IDF mobilizes troops, issues evacuations in southern Lebanon
• US backs Israel but urges restraint to limit damage to Lebanon

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Israel is preparing for a significant expansion of its ground operation in Lebanon, aiming to seize territory south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, Israeli and US officials told Axios.

If carried out, the move could mark the largest Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon since the 2006 war, potentially pulling Lebanon deeper into the widening regional conflict linked to Iran.

A senior Israeli official told Axios that the military plans could involve tactics similar to operations conducted in Gaza.

“We are going to do what we did in Gaza,” the official said, referring to the destruction of buildings Israel says Hezbollah uses to store weapons and launch attacks.

Operation could reshape southern Lebanon

According to the report, the objective of the planned offensive would be to push Hezbollah fighters away from the Israel–Lebanon border and dismantle their military infrastructure across villages in southern Lebanon.

Israeli officials said the goal would be to seize territory south of the Litani River, a strategic line roughly 30 kilometres north of the border.

An operation of this scale could lead to a prolonged Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon, raising concerns within Lebanon’s government about the wider consequences for the country.

Lebanese officials fear the escalation could devastate the country, which is already facing severe economic and political crises.

Missile barrage changed Israel’s calculations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government had until recently been trying to contain the confrontation with Hezbollah in order to remain focused on the broader conflict with Iran, Israeli officials told Axios.

That approach reportedly shifted on Wednesday when Hezbollah launched more than 200 missiles toward Israel in a coordinated attack alongside Iranian strikes.

“Before this attack we were ready for a ceasefire in Lebanon, but after it there is no way back from a massive operation,” a senior Israeli official told Axios.

Israel mobilising troops and reserves

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has maintained three armoured and infantry divisions along the Lebanese border since the start of the conflict with Iran.

Over the past two weeks, Israeli forces have carried out limited cross-border incursions into Lebanese territory.

On Friday, the IDF announced it would send reinforcements to the border and mobilise additional reserves ahead of the expanded operation.

Israeli officials said the objective would be to take control of territory, push Hezbollah fighters northward and dismantle weapons depots and military positions across southern Lebanese villages.

Hezbollah warns invasion could backfire

Hezbollah has responded defiantly to the threat of a larger Israeli ground campaign.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said diplomatic efforts by Lebanon’s government had failed to secure sovereignty or protect civilians, arguing that resistance remained the only option.

“When the enemy threatens a ground invasion, we tell him: this is not a threat, but one of the traps you will fall into,” Qassem said.

He added that a ground invasion would allow Hezbollah fighters to engage Israeli forces in close combat.

Evacuations and growing humanitarian toll

As the confrontation intensifies, the IDF has issued evacuation orders across southern Lebanon, including villages north of the Litani River and Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburbs.

The conflict has already displaced around 800,000 Lebanese civilians, according to the report, while at least 773 people have been killed, many of them civilians.

Washington backs operation but urges restraint

US officials told Axios that the Trump administration supports Israel’s effort to disarm Hezbollah, but is urging caution to limit damage to Lebanon’s state infrastructure.

Washington reportedly asked Israel not to strike Beirut’s international airport or other key government facilities.

Israeli officials agreed to spare the airport but did not commit to protecting all state infrastructure.

On Friday, the IDF struck a bridge in southern Lebanon, saying Hezbollah had been using it to move forces and weapons.

A senior Israeli official said the government remains in close consultation with Washington.

“We feel we have full US backing for this operation,” the official told Axios.

Diplomatic channel remains open

Despite the escalating military preparations, diplomatic efforts are continuing behind the scenes.

Netanyahu has tasked former minister Ron Dermer with managing Israel’s Lebanon strategy during the conflict, including coordination with Washington.

Dermer is expected to oversee contacts with the Trump administration and potentially lead negotiations with the Lebanese government if direct talks begin.

On the US side, the effort is being handled by Massad Boulos, a Trump adviser and US envoy for Africa, who has been in touch with Israeli, Lebanese and Arab officials in recent days.

Lebanon’s government has signalled that it is prepared to begin direct talks with Israel on a ceasefire without preconditions, officials said.

According to sources cited by Axios, Washington hopes such negotiations could eventually lead to a broader agreement that would formally end the state of war between Israel and Lebanon that has existed since 1948.