Army approves battle plans for Lebanon offensive

On June 18, the head of the IDF's Northern Command Maj. Gen. Ori Gordin and the head of the Operations Directorate Maj. Gen. Oded Basiuk met to assess the situation on the northern border.

According to the army's statement, the generals approved operational plans for offensive actions in Lebanon and measures to accelerate the readiness of the forces on the ground.

In recent days, US President's special envoy Amos Hochstein visited Israel and Lebanon to prevent a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah. He met with the prime ministers of both countries, Benjamin Netanyahu and Najib Mikati.

The US leadership has leverage over Israel and Lebanon but lacks diplomatic means to pressure Hezbollah. However, the actions of the Lebanese group and decisions by its Iranian sponsors will largely determine whether there will be a war.