Israeli forces have launched limited ground incursions into southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions near the border. The Israeli military announced early Tuesday that these “localized and targeted” raids were backed by airstrikes and artillery, focusing on villages close to Israel.

Smoke was seen rising from the southern suburbs of Beirut, areas known as Hezbollah strongholds, after Israeli forces reportedly issued evacuation warnings to several buildings. However, Hezbollah’s media official, Muhammad Afif, denied Israeli forces had entered Lebanon, calling the claims “false.”

“All Zionist claims that (Israeli) occupation forces have entered Lebanon are false,” Afif told reporters. He also emphasized Hezbollah’s readiness, stating, “Our fighters are ready to confront enemy forces that dare or attempt to enter Lebanon.”

The raids mark an escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began after Hezbollah initiated low-intensity strikes on northern Israel in the aftermath of the Israeli-Hamas war. Israel’s military has since shifted focus to its northern border, with the stated goal of allowing displaced Israeli civilians to return home.

Israeli military officials described the raids as necessary to dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure near the border. “We must neutralize the threat posed by Hezbollah forces along the northern frontier,” an Israeli security official stated.

Despite calls for restraint from international leaders, such as former Israeli minister Yossi Beilin, who warned, “A ground operation, even if limited, can be difficult to control,” the situation remains tense, with no signs of an imminent ceasefire. Displacement on both sides of the border continues to rise as airstrikes and artillery exchanges persist.