Ground operations in Lebanon will be significant but not 'major': US official

The Israel Defense Forces' ground movement into Lebanon will be significant but not "major," a senior U.S. official told ABC News.

The operations will be limited to small unit commando teams, the official said, adding that the teams will have air power backup against Hezbollah fighters.

ABC News

13 buildings are reported to have been destroyed in Al Dahiya so far during the attacks in the last hour.

Israeli Media

Israel's ground incursion into Lebanon appears to have begun, U.S. oficials say

Israeli officials notified the U.S. that it planned to begin a ground incursion into Lebanon that would be limited in scope, scale and duration, and two U.S. officials tell NBC News that the operation appears to have begun.

The officials said the U.S. does not have independent confirmation, but the timing tracks with what the Israelis notified the U.S. it had planned.

NBC

According to Israel's Channel 12, Israeli officials assured Washington that the operation in Lebanon is aimed at creating the conditions for an agreement.

#BREAKING:

The Israeli ground operation in southern Lebanon started, Israeli officials said.

IDF statement about limited-localized ground operation

IDF troops have begun limited, localized and targeted raids against Hezbollah terror targets in the border area of southern Lebanon

In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

Operation “Northern Arrows” will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other areas.

#BREAKING:

According to local reports, Israeli raids are targeting Iranian-backed militia positions in Damascus. Explosions were heard in the city.

Israeli strikes on Mezzah

Damascus skies tonight.

Latest developments on Israel's limited localized ground operation:

- Israeli warplanes and artillery struck at least 35 villages in Lebanon in 5 hours
- Hezbollah responded with artillery and rocket fire
- IDF announces launch of limited localised and targeted ground operation in continuation of Northern Arrows
- Israeli troops entered Lebanon for the first time since 2006 under air and artillery fire
- Israel targeted a vehicle with an airstrike in the Mezzah area of Damascus simultaneously with the start of the Lebanon operation

Israel has carried out its third air raid on Damascus, according to local sources and Syrian regime media.

Unconfirmed reports say that regime loyalist journalist Safaa Ahmed was killed in the Israeli attack.

The General Directorate of Radio and Television of the Syrian regime confirmed the death of Safaa Ahmad as a result of the Israeli attack targeting the capital Damascus.

Ain al-Hilweh after the Israeli attack.

Mezzah, Damascus, after the assassination of Safaa Ahmad.

Lebanese media reported that Israel targeted Fatah leader Munir al-Makdah by attacking the Ain al-Hilwa camp in Sidon, but the attack failed.

3 civilians killed, 9 others injured and significant damage to private property in the aggression on Damascus, military sources and Syrian regime media reports say

#BREAKING

The Israeli army began operations in several towns and areas in southern Lebanon.

This means that the Israeli army is occupying Lebanese towns.

Iranian Mullah Mustafa Keremi:

Israel uses jinns for espionage.

Israel has a secret army of demons.

NEW: Israeli ground forces invade Lebanon.