Gaza-style Sweep: Israel Prepares A Major Offensive On Lebanon

• 14.03.2026, 11:18

The U.S. supported the attack by three Israeli divisions.

Israel is deploying three divisions on the border with Lebanon and preparing for the largest ground operation in 20 years.

It is reported by Axios.

According to the publication, Israeli and U.S. officials have announced plans for an expanded operation.

What is the reason for the offensive

On March 11, Hezbollah, along with Iran, launched a coordinated strike - more than 200 rockets from Lebanon and dozens from Iran.

Afterward, Israel changed its approach. Before the attack, Jerusalem refrained from escalating in the north to focus on Iran.

"Before this attack, we were ready for a ceasefire in Lebanon, but after it, there is no turning back from a large-scale operation," a senior Israeli official said.

What the army is planning

The aim of the operation is to seize all territory south of the Litani River, push Hezbollah northward and destroy its weapons depots.

"We're going to do what we did in Gaza," the official said, referring to the demolition of what Israel considers the group's military infrastructure.

On Friday, March 13, the Israeli army announced it was sending reinforcements and mobilizing reserves.

US position

The Trump administration supports the operation but asked that Beirut's airport and government infrastructure not be bombed. Israel has agreed to keep the airport, but will consult Washington on a case-by-case basis on the rest.

What they are saying in Lebanon

The fighting has already displaced more than 800,000 civilians. At least 773 people have died.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the diplomatic route and called for "resistance." "When the enemy threatens a ground invasion, we tell him: this is not a threat, but one of the traps you will fall into," he said.

The Lebanese government, for its part, said it was ready for direct talks with Israel without preconditions.