The site Axios reported that Israel plans to significantly expand its ground operation in Lebanon, aiming to gain full control over the area south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, according to Israeli and US officials.

It added that this “could be the largest Israeli ground invasion of its northern neighbor since 2006, potentially dragging Lebanon into the center of an escalating war with Iran.”

A senior Israeli official stated: “We will do what we did in Gaza,” referring to leveling buildings that Israel claims Hezbollah uses to store weapons and launch attacks.

The site noted that “an operation of this scale and scope could lead to a prolonged Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon.”

It highlighted that “the Lebanese government is deeply concerned that the renewed war, sparked by Hezbollah’s decision to launch rockets at Israel, will destroy the country.”

Axios also reported that “the Trump administration supports a major Israeli operation to disarm Hezbollah but is also pressing to limit damage to the Lebanese state and is pushing for direct talks between Israel and Lebanon on a post-war agreement.”

The report emphasizes that such an expansive operation would not only target military installations but could also reshape the political and security dynamics in the region, heightening tensions between Israel, Lebanon, and Iran. Analysts warn that the humanitarian impact on civilians in southern Lebanon could be severe, with potential displacement, infrastructure destruction, and long-term economic consequences. The unfolding situation suggests that any escalation risks drawing neighboring countries further into the conflict, potentially transforming it from a localized confrontation into a broader regional crisis.”