The Israeli army is preparing for an ‘imminent invasion’ of Lebanon tonight as fears grow over all-out war in the Middle East.
As the world held its breath, armored vehicles gathered at the border as rockets pounded the south of the country.
Tensions in the Middle East, already heightened by the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, have further escalated in recent days after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli attacks on Beirut on Friday.
Follow our live report below
British nationals were told to leave Lebanon
Foreign Secretary David Lammy has urged Britain to leave Lebanon immediately amid the threat of a ground invasion by Israel.
Mr Lammy said the situation on the ground was “evolving rapidly” and that ministers could not guarantee they would be able to help “if things escalate widely in the coming hours and days”.
He told reporters on Monday evening: ‘Since taking office in July I have been pushing for British nationals to leave Lebanon. And indeed, in October 2023, the previous government urged British nationals not to travel to Lebanon.
‘Nevertheless, we have sent a rapid response team. There are 700 troops in Cyprus. We will do everything we can to help people get out. We have secured places on commercial flights flying tomorrow so British nationals can disembark.”
He added: “I urge them to leave as the situation on the ground is changing rapidly.
‘While we will do everything we can to protect British nationals and plans are in place to do so, we cannot anticipate the circumstances and the speed with which we might do so if things escalate widely in the coming hours and days. ‘
Heavy artillery fire seen and heard in Lebanese border towns
The sound of explosions and artillery firing can be heard and seen near the Israel-Lebanon border.
All signs are there that a raid will begin soon – if it is not already underway.
The Israeli The army has declared three of its northern communities ‘closed military zones’.
The US said it was aware of the raids, which were described as “limited operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.”
Below is an Isareli mobile artillery unit firing from northern Israel towards southern Lebanon.
The world is holding its breath as Israel prepares a ground invasion of Lebanon
Israel is preparing to launch a “limited” ground invasion of Lebanon in the coming hours, a move that could plunge the Middle East into all-out war.
Follow our live coverage as we monitor the situation at the Israel-Lebanon border.
Lebanese media report that heavy artillery is being fired – in a sign that an incursion will take place soon.
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