Israeli Infantry, Commandos and Paratroopers Attack Go After Hezbollah Tunnels

By Jim Morris, Warrior Vice President, News

On the second day of Israel’s military incursion into Lebanon, infantry and armored units joined paratroopers and commandos who had crossed over the border the day before. 

   At the same time, Israel reported that eight of its solders had been killed and a number of others wounded in fighting with Hezbollah, which says it targeted Israeli troops in three villages in southern Lebanon. 

   There were still plenty of questions but few answers about Israel’s intentions in its first invasion of Lebanon in 18 years. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says the attack is aimed at destroying Hezbollah tunnels and other infrastructure near the border – and there are no plans to target Beirut or other major Lebanese cities. It described the operation as “limited, localized, and targeted ground raids.” 

   The IDF said that the 36th Division, which includes both infantry and armored units, was joining the 98th Paratroopers Division, which entered Lebanon early Tuesday.  Artillery units and air force attack planes are providing cover, according to the military. 

   Israel also confirmed that in the last year, its special forces have been conducting regular incursions into south Lebanon. 

   Meanwhile, Israeli air force jets continued their attacks on southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. The targets were said to be “munitions production sites and other terrorist infrastructures in the area.” 

   And, perhaps in a sign of things to come, the IDF issued a new evacuation order to two dozen more Lebanese towns, and accused Hezbollah of using residents as human shields to carry out attacks.