Israel announced a “preemptive” offensive in Lebanon, the US is increasing its presence in the region
The government of Israel announced the introduction of a “special situation” regime on its territory, informs The Times of Israel, citing data from several media outlets. The decision gives authorities expanded powers to manage civilians in an emergency to ensure maximum protection. This regime will remain in effect for 48 hours unless extended by the government.
The Chief of the General Staff of the IDF, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, announced that on the morning of September 23, the Israeli military launched a preventive offensive operation against the terrorist group “Hezbollah”. The operation aims to reduce the threat posed by the group on the border with Lebanon.
Against the background of the aggravation of the situation, the Pentagon announced the dispatch of additional American troops to the Middle East. According to the representative of the Pentagon, Major General Pat Ryder, details about the number of additional forces and their tasks are not disclosed, but it is stated that about 40,000 American servicemen are already in the region.
On September 23, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appealed to the civilian population of Lebanon to evacuate due to a possible escalation of hostilities. Meanwhile, the US State Department also urged American citizens to leave Lebanon due to the increased risk of a large-scale regional conflict.
Israeli forces carried out more than 300 airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, the largest attack since October 2023, when tensions on the Israeli-Lebanese border increased significantly after the escalation in Gaza, the Associated Press reported.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, 274 people died and 1,024 were injured as a result of Israeli strikes. Among the dead are 21 children, 39 women and two medical workers, Al Jazeera reports.
