Israel announces Lebanon ground assault against HezbollahSmoke rises from a fire near Dubai International Airport after a 'drone-related incident'. (Photo: AFP)JERUSALEM — Israel said Monday it had launched ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon while US President Donald Trump piled pressure on world powers to help reopen the vital shipping lane choked off by Iranian attacks. Israel also announced the launch of "limited ground operations" against Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, a key front in the wider war. The announcement echoes similar statements issued in 2024, when Israel and Hezbollah fought a major war in Lebanon, and in 2023, when the military launched a ground assault in Gaza in response to Hamas's Oct 7 attacks. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said about 700 missiles and 3,600 drones had been fired at US and Israeli targets so far.

Source: Bangkok Post March 16, 2026 17:11 UTC