“Israeli special forces have carried out raids into Lebanese territory in preparation for a possible ground offensive”, CNN reported.
“The US believes Israel could imminently launch a more limited ground incursion into southern Lebanon than originally planned”, an official told the CNN website.
NBC reported a senior American official as saying: “The Israeli operation in Lebanon may begin tonight and continue for days, not weeks, within a limited scope.”
It quoted Israeli officials as saying, “We are preparing for an imminent ground invasion focused on villages near the border in southern Lebanon.”
Hebrew media reported Monday, quoting sources, that “the countdown to a ground operation in southern Lebanon is moving faster than expected.”
Media quoted American officials as saying that “Israel’s raids in Lebanese territory are not a ground incursion, even amid preparations for a ground operation.”
American officials added, “Israel carried out special operations inside Lebanese territory near the border, and it is unclear whether Israel has made a final decision and may launch a large-scale invasion of Lebanon.”
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority said, “The Shin Bet thwarted assassination attempts in Israel that were in advanced stages of preparation and execution.”
The Israeli army announced “the assassination in Lebanon of the leaders of the unit responsible for launching rockets towards central Israel.”
