The Israeli Security Cabinet has approved a ground invasion of Lebanon, according to The Australian. The US has confirmed limited incursions have already begun.
Israeli media reported the cabinet approved boots on the ground, as the Israeli military told journalists not to report on troops movements.
Israeli officials “have informed us that they are currently conducting… limited operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the border,” US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told journalists.
Lebanese Economy Minister Amin Salam also told Sky News UK that Israeli “operations have started.”
“In the last few minutes we got news that the Israeli government has given full approval for escalation,” Mr Salam said at 11:21pm local time.
He spoke as explosions were reported in Beirut as Israel commenced operations in the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahiyeh, in the city’s southern suburbs.
The last time Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants engaged in ground combat was a month-long war in 2006.
Source: The Australian.
