The leader of its lebanese group has been killed by israeli Air Strikes in southern lebanon. With me is our security correspondent, gordon corera. First of all, lets talk about the intelligence aspect, from Israels Point of view they seem to have had a string of stunning successes. Where are they getting their intelligence from . It they getting their intelligence from . from . It is a contrast to the lack of intelligence from . It is a contrast to the lack of intelligence they from . It is a contrast to the I Lack of intelligence they had about hamas and its attacks near lay year ago. Israel in 2006 invaded lebanon and got stuck and got caught by surprise. I think by the strength of resistance it faced from hezbollah. Since then it has been working to build its Intelligence Collection Capability on hezbollah very methodically and not underestimating its foe in a way it might have underestimated hamas. There has been a long term collection, whether using satellites or human resources.
In other developments, hezbollah s Deputy Chief says it is ready for an israeli Ground Offensive and will keep up the fight against israel. The group will choose a successor at the earliest opportunity after the assasination of the Groups Leader, Hassan Nasrallah, by israel on friday. These are the live pictures from the same area. You can see the smoke still rising. Well, we had been able to see some of the smoke rising over the city. A Planejust Landing there. But that is the scene there. But that is the scene there in beirut. There is some of the smoke after that wave of israeli strikes has been continuing. 0ur Correspondent in beirut, hugo bachega, has the latest from there. In beirut, eyes on tv to watch hezbollah s number two, naim qassem, who spoke for the first time since the assassination of the Groups Leader by its greatest enemy, israel. And he was defiant. Speaking from an undisclosed location, he said the killing of Hassan Nasrallah last week was a big blow. But he tried t
There are Reports Tonight that a us official says israel intends to launch a Ground Offensive in lebanon, which could begin as soon as today. Israeli tanks are gathering by the countrys northern border. Israels Defence Minister, who was visiting troops today, told them the next phase of the war will begin soon. Hezbollah has said its prepared for all out war. Lets go straight to lebanon and the capital beirut, anna foster. There is a realfeeling of momentum in the Middle East tonight, after the israeli Defence Minister told his troops on the board at that the military would use force by air, Sea And Land to achieve the aim of returning displaced israelis back to their homes. They said the killing in beirut of the hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah was not the final step. There have been reports that israeli Special Forces had launched some raids inside lebanon but that has not been confirmed. Lucy williamson has been to northern israel and sent this report. Israels army is moving close
Good evening. Israel has declared an area around its border with Lebanon A Closed Military Zone and has told the united states that its going to launch a limited Ground Operation against hezbollah. Earlier today, the Deputy Leader of the iranian backed Military Group said they were ready to face israeli soldiers. President biden has called for an immediate ceasefire, a view echoed again tonight in the uk by foreign Secretary David Lammy. Israeli tanks have been massing close to the lebanese border and israelS Top general has told troops to prepare to operate inside hezbollah strongholds. Tonight, well be looking at how challenging a Ground Offensive could be and how iran and the us may react. Our senior international Correspondent Orla Guerin will be reporting from here in beirut, but first tonight, lets join Lucy Williamson on the israeli side of the israel lebanon border. Tonight Israels Army has sealed off several areas towards the eastern end of the border, not farfrom where we are
Senior international correspondent has the latest from beirut. Israel waging war from the air in Southern Lebanon today. But there are growing signals that its planning a ground war, perhaps within hours. In beirut, israel has struck near the heart of the city, killing three palestinian militant leaders in this Apartment Block overnight. This attack marks a new moment. Were in the centre of the city here. The area is densely populated. Usually, these streets are full. Theres a major university just around the corner. The War Isnt confined to the hezbollah suburbs now, its right here and all the signs point to escalation. Hezbollah said today there could be a long war, in its first public address since israel killed its leader, hassan nasrallah, on friday. The armed Groups Number two, sheikh naim qassem, said hezbollah i pulled my cousin, his brother and his Sister In Law from the rubble, says mahmoud barakat. He asks god to bring destruction on israel. There was funeral after funeral t