**Israel Escalates Ground Invasion in Lebanon Against Hezbollah**

Israel has significantly intensified its ground invasion into Lebanon by deploying thousands of additional troops into a new zone in the south-west of the country. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), a fourth division has joined the ongoing operation aimed at targeting Hezbollah’s infrastructure. This marks the eighth day since Israel's ground offensive commenced.

In a recent development, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has claimed that the successor to the assassinated Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has also likely been eliminated. This statement was made shortly after Naim Qassem, Nasrallah’s former deputy, asserted that Hezbollah had weathered recent Israeli attacks and remained capable despite the hardships imposed by the conflict.

Hezbollah persists in its defiance, launching sustained rocket attacks towards northern Israel, particularly targeting the port city of Haifa, where 12 people were injured in a recent strike. Lebanese authorities report that more than three weeks of Israeli bombardment have resulted in over 1,400 deaths and the displacement of 1.2 million people within Lebanon.

The IDF has been aggressively campaigning to dismantle Hezbollah’s capabilities, citing its obligation to ensure the safety of Israeli civilians who have been displaced due to Hezbollah’s rocket, missile, and drone attacks. The escalation followed Hezbollah's support of Palestinians, beginning with rocket attacks from Lebanon into northern Israel on 8 October 2023, the day after a deadly assault by Hezbollah's ally, Hamas, in southern Israel.

Recently, reservists from the 146th Division undertook "limited, localized, targeted operational activities" in south-western Lebanon. These operations include taking control of what the IDF describes as a Hezbollah "combat compound" in Maroun al-Ras. The IDF released images of a rocket launcher and various weapons found in the area. Furthermore, drone footage has depicted extensive destruction in the nearby village of Yaroun.

The IDF has urged residents of several towns and villages in south-western Lebanon to evacuate northwards beyond the Awali river, extending its evacuation order. This measure comes as the United Nations has described the humanitarian impact of the conflict as "catastrophic," with immense human suffering.

Additionally, Israel's airstrikes continue to target Hezbollah strongholds, including recent strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs. The IDF claims to have killed Suhail Husseini, a crucial Hezbollah commander, in a strike on Monday.

Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Naim Qassem, has maintained a strong stance, declaring that the group’s command structure remains intact and capable. However, he hinted at the possibility of a ceasefire, aligning with efforts by Lebanese Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, though he did not explicitly mention halting Gaza hostilities as a precondition.

The ongoing conflict has seen Hezbollah launching more than 100 rockets towards various regions in Israel, resulting in property damage but no severe casualties. The situation remains tense with both sides showing no signs of immediate de-escalation.