[TEL AVIV = Takao Sato]On September 30, US CNN television reported, citing US government officials, that the Israeli military may soon make a limited ground invasion into southern Lebanon. The attack appears to be aimed at attacking military infrastructure built by the pro-Iranian militia Hezbollah, and special forces are said to have carried out a raid on Lebanese territory in preparation.

A ground invasion would likely prolong the battle. Tensions are rising between Israel and Hezbollah, which began fighting in October last year.

Israeli Defense Minister Gallant said on the 30th that “a new phase of the fight against Hezbollah will begin soon.” The military has designated three areas in northern Israel as military areas, prohibiting civilians from entering them, and has issued an evacuation order for some areas in southern Beirut.

About two weeks ago, small communication equipment used by Hezbollah fighters exploded in Lebanon, leading to speculation that Israel was behind the explosion. The Israeli military then carried out heavy bombing raids on Hezbollah’s strongholds in the south of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, killing several senior commanders, including long-time leader Nasrallah.

Hezbollah’s internal communications networks are disrupted and there is strong suspicion that the chain of command is in disarray, so the Israeli military may see this as an opportunity to step up its offensive.