As Israeli Forces Enter Lebanon, Avivi Calls for Global Action Against Iran’s Aggression
The Israeli military intensified its operations in southern Lebanon on Wednesday by deploying regular infantry and armored units, expanding its ground efforts against Hezbollah. These moves come just a day after a barrage of Iranian missile strikes targeted Israel. Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi emphasized in an interview with The Media Line that Israel has been preparing for such a scenario for a long time, with a range of capabilities ready to confront Hezbollah and Iran.
“The situation is very different from last year. Israel has reached a point where it understands that dealing with Hezbollah also means addressing Iran,” Avivi said. He pointed out that Israel’s strategy has shifted from focusing solely on Hamas in Gaza to confronting Hezbollah in the north, signaling that this conflict now includes direct engagement with Iran’s broader regional influence.
This holiday season, give to:
Truth and understanding
The Media Line's intrepid correspondents are in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Pakistan providing first-person reporting.
They all said they cover it.
We see it.
We report with just one agenda: the truth.
The Israeli military aims to dismantle Hezbollah’s extensive tunnel networks and military infrastructure along the border, using units from the 36th Division, including the Golani Brigade, the 188th Armored Brigade, and the 6th Infantry Brigade. While Israel has previously carried out limited commando raids, the addition of these forces indicates a more substantial push to neutralize Hezbollah’s threat.
At the same time, the conflict continues to escalate, with Israel preparing to launch a “significant retaliation” against Iran, potentially targeting oil production facilities and other strategic sites. This follows Tuesday’s missile assault from Iran, which Avivi described as a “severe and dangerous escalation.” He stressed that Israel would not rely solely on airstrikes but would employ a combination of attacks and defenses, including Arrow 3 and Iron Dome systems, to protect against Iran’s ballistic missiles.
Avivi also highlighted the need for the United States to lead a global coalition against Iran, pointing out that “the threats from Iran are global and regional threats.”
