Israel strengthens military presence in Lebanon after Iran attack

BEIRUT – The Israeli military said on October 2 that regular infantry and armor units were joining ground operations in southern Lebanon against Hezbollah as Israel prepared to retaliate with a barrage of Iranian rockets.

Israel, already fighting Hamas in Gaza, is strengthening its presence in southern Lebanon in the conflict with Hezbollah a day after an attack by Iran, raising fears that the oil-producing Middle East could be plunged into a wider conflict.

The addition of infantry and armored troops from the 36th Division, including the Golani Brigade, 188th Armored Brigade and 6th Infantry Brigade, suggests that the operation had moved beyond limited commando raids.

The military said the ground operation was mainly aimed at destroying tunnels and other infrastructure on the border and there were no plans for a broader operation targeting Beirut or major cities in southern Lebanon.

Iran declared on October 2 that the missile attack on Israel – its largest military attack on the country – was over unless there were further provocations, while Israel and the United States vowed to respond.

Israel will launch “significant retaliation” within days that could target oil production facilities in Iran and other strategic locations, US news website Axios reported, citing Israeli officials.

Despite calls for a ceasefire from the United Nations, the United States and the European Union, fighting continued on October 2 between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah.

Israel has resumed bombing the southern suburbs of Beirut, a stronghold of the Iran-backed group, carrying out at least a dozen airstrikes against targets belonging to the group.