Israel has launched what it called “a limited ground operation” across its northern border into Lebanon targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, opening a new and dangerous phase in almost a year of war.

Israel, which has engaged in border warfare with Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement for a year in parallel with the Gaza conflict, has a long history of military incursions and invasions in Lebanon.

Israel sent soldiers into southern Lebanon, escalating its weeks-long campaign to degrade the Hezbollah militant group, and raising the risks of a wider regional conflict.