Israeli Minister Hints at Imminent Ground Invasion of Lebanon

Israel’s defense minister has provided one of the clearest indications yet that the country is preparing for a ground incursion into Lebanon.

“The elimination of Nasrallah is a significant step, but it is not the final one,” Yoav Gallant told Israeli soldiers on Monday. “We will use every capability at our disposal, and if anyone on the other side doesn’t understand what those capabilities are, we mean *all* capabilities, and you are part of this effort.”

Gallant made these remarks during a visit to Israel’s armored corps near the Lebanese border, addressing soldiers from brigade 188 and the Golani brigade, an infantry unit.

While Israeli officials have hinted at such a possibility before, Gallant’s comments on Monday were more direct, signaling that Israel is moving closer to a ground offensive in southern Lebanon.

Last week, Herzi Halevi, Israel’s chief of the General Staff, told troops near the northern border that airstrikes on Lebanon were intended to “prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah.”

Gallant further emphasized Israel’s commitment to returning citizens who were displaced from their homes in the north of the country due to the conflict.

“We are ready to take every step necessary to accomplish this mission,” he said. “We will employ all necessary means—your forces, others, from the air, from the sea, and on land. Good luck.”