Illustrative image. (Israeli Defense Forces)
Israel has prepared plans for a major ground offensive in Lebanon that would include seizing the cities of Tyre, Sidon and Nabatieh, advancing north beyond the Awali River and imposing a naval blockade on Beirut and Tripoli if Hezbollah joins a renewed war with Iran.
The plans were reportedly conveyed to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam by American diplomats, who warned that an Israeli offensive could extend well beyond southern Lebanon.
Channel 14, citing an investigative report by Emirati outlet Erem News, reported on November 2 that the warnings outlined operational scenarios prepared by the Israeli military.
The proposed ground operation would involve armored formations and infantry brigades advancing deep into Lebanese territory, with the three cities brought under Israeli control. The plans also reportedly include extensive bombardment of Beirut’s southern suburbs, better known as Dahiyeh, alongside a naval blockade targeting Lebanon’s main ports.
The Israeli Navy would play a particularly prominent role in the operation, according to the reports, as the Israeli Air Force would be heavily engaged in strikes against Iranian targets.
Naval forces could conduct bombardments along the Lebanese coast and enforce restrictions on maritime traffic through the ports of Beirut and Tripoli. The scenarios also include halting commercial flights at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut.
The disclosures come amid growing concerns over a renewed confrontation between Israel and Iran. A U.S.-brokered framework reached in June sought to end the 2026 Israel-Hezbollah conflict and establish arrangements for Hezbollah’s disarmament and an Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon. However, the framework has not fully ended hostilities, and Israeli attacks have continued.
The reported invasion plans remain contingency scenarios rather than finalized operational orders, according to Channel 14, which also noted that there was no official confirmation that U.S. President Donald Trump had granted Israel unconditional authorization for such an offensive.
While Arab and Hebrew media are framing the planned invasion as a possible response to Hezbollah joining a war against Iran, Israel is likely to proceed with the offensive if hostilities with Tehran resume, even if Hezbollah stays out of the fighting and continues to honor the ceasefire.
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