After several days of airstrikes, and after assembling over 100 vehicles and tanks in the border area, the IDF has now commenced ground operations in Southern Lebanon, with the view of creating a buffer zone free of Hezbollah (ref. 1).
Israel has warned Lebanese civilians not to cross the Litani river.
Hezbollah which is said to have tens of thousands of fighters, but now without much of a command structure, has vowed to fight back.
Remarkably, the proper army of Lebanon has pulled back 5 kms from the border (ref. 2). It remains to be seen what will happen when the IDF pushes further towards the Litani river, which is some 30 kms north of Israel.
Something else noteworthy is that senior Israeli officials have accused America of leaking Israel’s ground operation plans (ref. 3). Consequently, the IDF has lost the element of surprise, and must now revise some of its plans.
Meanwhile, last night, Iran fired 181 ballistic missiles at Israel (ref. 4). The attack was largely defeated by Israel’s missile defence systems. There were a few explosions and there was some property damage from debris, but no reported deaths or injuries except for 1 Palestinian. Apparently, 2 US navy destroyers in the area launched dozens of interceptors as well to help out.
Furthermore, yesterday, Turkiye, invoking UN Resolution 1950, asked the UN to formally recommend “the use of force against Israel” (ref. 5).
Turkiye also once again called for the Islamic world to unite against Israel.
So, things are happening. But still, the beast with 7 heads and 10 horns will only form when the Assyrian stands up again – ie. the Antichrist himself.
References:
1. Essam Al Ghahib (1 October 2024), “Israel launches operation across border into Lebanon”, sbs.com.au
2. TOI (30 September 2024), “Lebanese troops pull back 5 km from Lebanon’s border with Israel, sources say”, timesofisrael.com
3. Lazar Berman (1 October 2024), “Senior Israeli official accuses US of endangering IDF troops by leaking ground operation plans”, timesofisrael.com
4. TOI (2 October 2024), “Israelis told they can leave shelters after Iranian attack of 180 ballistic missiles”, timesofisrael.com
5. “Turkey’s Erdogan Ups The Ante, Calls For UN To Use Force Against Israel Amid Lebanon, Gaza Conflict”, youtube.com/watch?v=JH_97Abz7Ic