What we’re covering
• The Israeli military says it has begun “a limited ground operation” in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah. There will be “no long-term occupation” of Lebanon, Israeli officials said, but declined to provide a timeline.
• The ground offensive comes after hours of Israeli raids and artillery fire across the border, and after Israel restricted civilian movements in some border communities. Ahead of the incursion, Israel’s security cabinet approved the “next phase” of its war with Hezbollah, according to a national broadcaster.
• Israel’s blistering escalation in its war with Hezbollah defies pressure from the US, a key ally, to reach a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The escalation in the war has killed more than 1,000 people, destroyed homes and displaced 1 million in Lebanon, authorities say.
• Hezbollah said it would choose a leader as soon as possible after Israel assassinated its leader Hassan Nasrallah. The group also vowed to continue fighting Israel in support of Palestinians, even after a growing number of senior figures were killed.