Israel prepares for Lebanon ground offensive as Biden warns of ‘all-out war’

The Israeli military chief has asked troops to prepare for a possible ground invasion in Lebanon amid the escalating conflict with Hezbollah and said that extensive strikes against the Iran-backed militant group could pave the way to “enter enemy territory”. This comes amid US President Joe Biden’s warning of an “all-out war”, as well as talks at the UN to clinch a 21-day ceasefire deal aimed at ending the ongoing hostilities.
According to Lebanese health authorities, at least 72 people were killed and 233 others injured on Wednesday, as Israel intensified its airstrikes in the country against Hezbollah.
In an address to Israeli soldiers, military chief Lt Gen Herzi Halevi said, “You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day. This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah.”
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron told the UN General Assembly that “there cannot be a war in Lebanon. This is why we urge Israel to cease this escalation in Lebanon and to Hezbollah to cease this missile launch to Israel”.
His remarks came shortly after he held talks with Biden on the 21-day “temporary ceasefire” proposal to end the raging conflict.
More than 600 people have been reportedly killed in Lebanon since Israel began an intense campaign on Monday to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure. As per UN figures, some 90,000 people in Lebanon have been newly displaced, adding to the 110,000 who had fled their homes before the escalation.