Israel's defence minister has all but confirmed plans to launch a ground invasion of Lebanon — although not the timing of it — as the country's military continued gathering near the border.
Several American news outlets reported on Monday, local time, that Israel had briefed US officials on plans to conduct a campaign in Lebanese territory. The operation aims to clear areas near the so-called Blue Line, which separates the states, of Hezbollah infrastructure.
Such a move would be the first time since 2006 that Israel had invaded Lebanon.
It would also signal yet another escalation in its conflict with Hezbollah just days after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) assassinated the militant group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in Beirut.
In a speech to troops on Monday, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said: "The elimination of Nasrallah is an important step, but it is not the end."
He said Israel would use "all the means that may be required ... from the air, from the sea and on land. Good luck."
His statement appeared to confirm what many observers have been predicting.
It came as multiple US media outlets reported that Israeli troops had already completed small raids into Lebanese territory.
Hezbollah, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by the Australian government, says it is ready for a potential Israeli ground invasion.
The militant group's deputy Naim Qassem on Monday gave a televised address — his first since Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli air strike late last week.
"We will face any possibility and we are ready if the Israelis decide to enter by land and the resistance forces are ready for a ground engagement," he said.
He also said the group would pick a new leader soon.
Hezbollah is particularly influential in southern Lebanon — an area that borders Israel, and from where it launches many of its attacks.
On Monday, Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced his government was prepared to send its military to the border in a bid to stop Hezbollah's attacks as part of a potential ceasefire agreement with Israel.
Meanwhile, the IDF's air strikes in Lebanon continued on Monday, with multiple locations around the country struck again, mainly in the south.
The attacks have so far killed about 1,000 people and displaced 1 million, according to the Lebanese government.
