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.

For Iran, that will not sound like idle posturing. Israel is not just fighting Tehran by smashing its allies and proxies — such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen — but is showing its supremacy both in terms of technology and espionage on Iranian soil.

By James Mackenzie, Maya Gebeily and Timour Azhari JERUSALEM/BEIRUT (Reuters) -Israel said commando and paratroop units launched raids into Lebanon on Tuesday as part of a "limited" ground incursion,