(VOVWORLD) -The Israeli army on Tuesday said its infantry has begun limited tactical attacks in Lebanese territory, a significant escalation of its offensive against Hezbollah.
 Smoke rose after an Israeli airstrike on a residential area in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, early October 1. Photo: AFP
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Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Monday night that it has begun “targeted ground raids” in southern Lebanon. The operation, approved by the Israeli security cabinet in a Monday night meeting, is limited in time and scope and is not being done with the intention of occupying southern Lebanon, said the IDF.
 The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell (Photo: VNA) |
Responding to Israel's ground offensive, Turkish President Recep Erdogan called on the United Nations to authorize the deployment of troops to stop the action, saying that if the Security Council fails to act, the UN General Assembly should take on this role.
Meanwhile, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said that any military action at this time would only worsen the situation. “Arms should now be silenced, and the voice of diplomacy should speak and be heard by all. The sovereignty of both Israel and Lebanon has to be guaranteed. Any further military intervention would dramatically aggravate the situation and it has to be avoided," said Borrell.
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said Tuesday that he had spoken with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant about Israel’s campaign. The US supports Israel’s limited campaign but is calling for a quick, long-term diplomatic solution to the conflict.