Biden missiles Iran: US government announces action

The US government announces action.
Israel began ground offensive.
Goes against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

US President Joe Biden ordered the US Armed Forces on Tuesday to shoot down the missiles that Iran is launching at Israel.

In a brief statement, the White House indicated that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are meeting with the national security team.

This is in what is known as the ‘situation room’ (crisis room) of the White House, where they are receiving information about the Iranian attacks.

As explained by the White House, Biden has given instructions to the US Armed Forces, according to information from the Efe agency.

This is so that they can help in Israel’s «defense» against Iranian attacks and shoot down the missiles that are falling on Israeli territory.

Earlier on Tuesday, Israeli ground forces crossed the border into southern Lebanon.

Which marked a significant escalation in its offensive against Hezbollah militants, according to The Associated Press.

This opens a new front in a conflict that has lasted for a year against adversaries backed by Iran.

The raid comes after weeks of intense attacks by Israel against Hezbollah, including an aerial bombardment that resulted in the death of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

The offensive seeks to increase pressure on the group, which began launching rockets into northern Israel after the start of the war in Gaza.

The last ground confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah took place during a month-long war in 2006.

The Israeli military issued a brief statement saying it began «limited, localized and targeted ground raids» against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

Israel Begins Ground Offensive Against Hezbollah in Lebanon

Israeli ground forces moved into southern Lebanon early Tuesday, marking a significant escalation of an offensive against Hezbollah.

The incursion follows weeks of heavy blows by Israel against the militia group — including an airstrike that killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. pic.twitter.com/aa6j31aaXQ

—The Associated Press (@AP) October 1, 2024

According to the statement, these targets are located in villages near the border and represent an immediate threat to Israeli communities in the north of the country.

So far, no direct clashes have been reported between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants, although Israeli artillery explosions have been heard in southern Lebanon and shelling in Beirut.

Israel’s decision to carry out a ground operation marks a new and potentially risky phase of the conflict. Hezbollah, known for its military training and large arsenal, has tens of thousands of fighters and around 150,000 rockets and missiles.

The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate.

Israel invests in training and intelligence gathering

Both sides have spent the last two decades preparing for this new clash. While Hezbollah has increased its arsenal, Israel has invested in training and intelligence gathering.

Recent airstrikes have eliminated much of Hezbollah’s leadership, suggesting that Israel has managed to infiltrate the group’s upper echelons.

Despite recent losses, Hezbollah has vowed to continue the fight.

Its interim leader, Naim Kassem, said the group is prepared for a ground operation, and fallen commanders have been replaced.

Israeli forces arrive in southern Lebanon

Israel’s escalation in southern Lebanon comes against a backdrop of violence in Gaza, where war has been declared on Hamas following a crosser attack on October 7 that left 1,200 Israelis dead.

So far, more than 41,000 Palestinians have been reported dead in Gaza.

Additionally, since October 8, Hezbollah has been firing rockets toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas, leading to an almost daily exchange of fire between both sides.

Israel’s strategy also appears to have shifted from the conflict in Gaza to the north, intensifying attacks against Hezbollah.

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