Israel Launches Limited Ground Operations in Lebanon

After months of heightened tensions, Israeli forces have officially launched limited ground operations into Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the border. The move comes despite concerns from U.S. officials and frustration within Israeli ranks over premature leaks of the operation.

In the early hours of Tuesday local time, Israel's Political-Security Cabinet approved an operational strategy for a "limited" invasion into Lebanon. This decision followed reports of frustrations among Israeli ministers due to the premature disclosure of the operation hours before the cabinet meeting.

Israel Launches Limited Ground Operations in Lebanon

An unnamed U.S. security official had confirmed to Fox News and other outlets on Monday that a "limited" invasion into Lebanon was imminent. President Biden appeared to confirm the claims, saying, "I'm more aware than you might know." However, he also expressed discomfort with the operational plans, stating, "We should have a cease-fire now."

During a U.S. State Department briefing later in the day, spokesman Matthew Miller said, "They have been informing us about a number of operations." He added, "They have, at this time, told us that those are limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border."

Israel Launches Limited Ground Operations in Lebanon

It is unclear whether Miller was referring to future or ongoing operations, as reports had surfaced earlier on Monday suggesting that Israeli special forces had been engaging in cross-border raids for months.

Fox News Digital could not confirm which Israeli ministers were frustrated or the specific targets of their ire within the U.S. However, according to YNET News, Israeli ministers expressed frustrations with both U.S. officials and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Israel Launches Limited Ground Operations in Lebanon

The IDF had reportedly referenced the operation ahead of the ministerial debate, causing exasperation among ministers. IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari subsequently called on outlets not to report on "rumors."

"In recent hours there have been many reports and rumors about IDF activity on the Lebanese border. We ask that no reports be circulated about the activities of the forces," Hagari said before the ministerial meeting.

Israel Launches Limited Ground Operations in Lebanon

Following the meeting, the IDF released a statement confirming the launch of "limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon."

"These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel," the IDF added.

Israel Launches Limited Ground Operations in Lebanon

Sources told Fox News earlier on Monday that the operation was expected to be "limited" in scope and quicker than the 2006 operation, which lasted 34 days and resulted in heavy casualties.

Israel reportedly did not provide the U.S. with advance notice of the operation, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant calling Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin as the pagers started to explode in Lebanon.

Israel Launches Limited Ground Operations in Lebanon

Following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, Secretary Austin told reporters, "The United States was not involved in Israel’s operation," noting that there was "no advance warning" from Israel.

The State Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.