Israel army says ground assault against Hezbollah underway in Lebanon

AI Summary

The Israeli military has launched ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon following the group's attack on Israel in response to US-Israeli strikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israel's defense minister warned that displaced residents won't return until northern Israel's security is established.

The Israeli military said on Monday it was carrying out what it described as "limited" ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, with its defence minister warning that those displaced would not return home until northern Israel was secure. Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2 when Tehran-backed Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. Israel responded with air raids on its northern neighbour and troop incursions into border areas.