Israel denies March 15 deadline, Halevi orders Lebanon incursion plan

Israeli military leaders have refuted claims from a Lebanese media outlet suggesting Israel would initiate a significant military operation in Lebanon by March 15 if diplomatic resolutions fail, as reported by Israel’s Channel 13. The report emphasized that there’s no predetermined date for conflict initiation against Lebanon. Concurrently, Israel’s army chief, Herzi Halevi, tasked Brig. Gen. Moshe Chico Tamir with devising various strategies for potential ground incursions in Lebanon, highlighting Tamir’s extensive experience in the region from his previous role as deputy commander of the Israeli army’s Northern Corps. The strategies under consideration range from limited engagements intended to force Hezbollah to retreat from the border area.

Hezbollah has consistently engaged Israeli forces since the outbreak of hostilities with Israel on October 7, instigated by an attack from their ally, Hamas. In retaliation, Israeli military has launched targeted strikes against Hezbollah, aiming also at high-ranking officials within the organization. Since the onset of these border skirmishes in October, the conflict has resulted in at least 303 casualties in Lebanon, predominantly among Hezbollah combatants, and also including civilians. On the Israeli side, the conflict has claimed the lives of 10 soldiers and 7 civilians, as per the Israeli army’s reports. Furthermore, Israel has signaled its readiness to escalate military action against Hezbollah to facilitate the return of approximately 80,000 Israelis displaced from the northern regions of the country.