The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a targeted ground operation against the Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah on Monday evening, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

This move followed a series of successful IDF attacks over the weekend that resulted in the deaths of several key Hezbollah figures, including leader Hassan Nasrallah and Nabil Kaouk, the deputy head of Hezbollah’s Central Council.

Prior to the operation, the IDF established a closed military zone in northern Israeli communities, such as Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi.

The ground operation commenced after airstrikes were carried out on central Beirut, which is the first instance of the central part of the Lebanese capital being targeted in the year-long conflict. Previously, the IDF had focused on southern Beirut, a known Hezbollah stronghold, but the Sunday strikes also targeted the Sunni terrorist group Al-Jamāʻah al-islāmīyah.

In response to the impending ground operation, President Biden expressed his disapproval, stating, “I’m more aware [of Israel’s plan] than you might know, and I’m comfortable with them stopping,” while advocating for a ceasefire.

On the same day, the IDF issued a warning to Hezbollah via social media, announcing the dismantling of a surface-to-air missile launcher storage facility located approximately 1.5 kilometers from Beirut’s international airport. The Israeli military emphasized that this infrastructure posed a risk to both Lebanese and international airspace.

The IDF reiterated its commitment to undermining Hezbollah’s military capabilities within Lebanon.