US officials expect Israel to launch a ground operation in Lebanon “imminently” to clear border areas of Hizbollah infrastructure, in an intensification of its offensive against the militant group.
Israel has discussed the shape of the planned incursion with Washington, which has sought to limit its scope and duration, fearing it could lead to an open-ended occupation of Lebanon’s border area, according to the officials.
“We believe we’ve reached an understanding where instead they will do something more targeted, focused on specific areas — and focused on clearing out Hizbollah infrastructure near Israeli border communities — and then pulling their forces back,” said a US official.