The US is considering a limited ground invasion of Lebanon as Israel moves forces along its northern border, according to a senior administration official and a US official, while US media has not ruled out the possibility of
However, the same officials told CNN that Israel does not appear to have made a decision on whether to launch a ground invasion.
The US assessment is based on observed Israeli troop mobilization and clearing of areas, which could be in preparation for launching a ground invasion, one of the officials said.
On Saturday, Israel Defense Forces spokesman Peter Lerner said the military was preparing for the possibility of a ground invasion, but that this was just one of the options being considered. Israel’s stated aim is to allow some 60,000 Israelis to return to their homes in the north of the country, near the border with Lebanon.
And on Wednesday, Israel’s top general, Herchi Halevi, said the country was preparing for the possible entry of ground forces into Lebanon.
However, shortly before news of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah broke, a senior Israeli official said that Israel hoped not to launch a ground invasion of Lebanon.
“Our first option is not to carry out a ground invasion,” the official said.
Officials who also spoke to ABC News said a small-scale operation or even “border moves” into Lebanon to eliminate Hezbollah positions right on the border have already started or imminent.
Israel does not yet appear to have fully decided whether to launch a ground operation, but is prepared to do so, officials said. If a ground operation occurs, it will likely be limited in scope, the sources said.