Ground Assault Into Lebanon Underway, 'Heavy Fighting' Taking Place

CORRECTION: Typo in second sentence. A spox for the Israeli military has confirmed the ongoing ground operation into southern Lebanon, claiming that the raids "target Hezbollah strongholds along the border". Says that "Our war is with Hezbollah, not the people of Lebanon...Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages into bases ready for an attack on Israel". The ground operation got underway some time ago, with the IDF spox confirming 'low signature operations' were being undertaken by special forces before the main ground assault began overnight.

• The extent and longevity of the conflict will depend on a number of factors. The aims of the Israeli gov't are crucial. The administration of PM Benjamin Netanyahu made one of the 'war goals' the safe return of Israelis to northern border regions. The IDF claims that this ground assault will be "limited, localised and targeted" intended to destroy Hezbollah's ability to fire rockets and missiles across the border.
• If this stance holds, then the war could indeed prove limited. However, should Israel seek a full elimination of Hezbollah's structures and fighting capacity, as it is doing in Gaza with Hamas, then the conflict could drag on.
• The actions of regional actors, primarily Hezbollah-backing Iran also crucial. Tehran has promised retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. So far Iran has not engaged directly, allowing its proxies to attempt to strike Israel. Direct Iranian involvement risks the US becoming a participant, massively raising the stakes.