What it is about:

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced that regular infantry and armored units, including elite divisions such as the Golani Brigade, the 188th Armored Brigade, and the 6th Infantry Brigade, will join an ongoing ground operation in southern Lebanon. This marks an expansion from localized commando and special forces raids conducted over the past few months aimed at targeting Hezbollah terror infrastructures.

Why it matters:

The objective of this operation is to neutralize Hezbollah’s network of tunnels and dismantle their weapon systems that have been embedded close to the Israel-Lebanon border. This proactive measure seeks to ensure the security of Northern Israel by disrupting terrorist activities before they escalate. The IDF’s increased troop involvement is also indicative of the broader strategic importance of this initiative.

What’s being said:

Israeli military officials have affirmed that this localized operation focuses on combating immediate terror threats and mitigating future attacks directed at Israeli territory. They maintain that there are no intentions to extend the operations into major cities such as Beirut, stressing that these maneuvers are containment efforts.

The big picture:

The addition of regular infantry and armored units demonstrates Israel’s steadfast commitment to the safety of its citizens and national security. This expanded operation reflects the severity with which Israel views Hezbollah’s presence and activities in southern Lebanon.

Amidst ongoing regional tensions and broader geopolitical disputes, Israel continues to take decisive steps to protect its people and prevent any potential escalations along its northern borders.

This story was first published on foxnews.com.