IDF tells troops to 'prepare' for possible ground operation in Lebanon

British nationals have been told to leave Lebanon immediately, as ITV News Correspondent Geraint Vincent reports

The Israeli army chief told troops on Wednesday that the military is preparing for a possible ground operation in Lebanon.

Addressing troops on the northern border, the IDF's Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said the latest strikes were designed to "prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah".

This comes after Israel intercepted a missile fired by Hezbollah near Tel Aviv on Wednesday - the first such rocket to target the country's biggest city.

Hezbollah said it fired a ballistic missile at the headquarters of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, which it said was responsible for the targeted killings of its senior leaders.

Lebanon’s health minister said 51 people were killed and 223 wounded were wounded in Israeli strikes on Wednesday.

It adds to the 564 people who were killed and more than 1,800 wounded in the previous two days, including around 150 women and children.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has announced that the UK government will send £5 million in aid to Lebanon.

The department has also reopened its “register your presence” portal, which British nationals in Lebanon can fill in to notify the UK Government of their whereabouts.

Development minister Anneliese Dodds said: “The situation in Lebanon is deeply concerning. While we continue to urge British nationals to leave, the UK will always be a strong supporter of the Lebanese people."

However, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer would not commit when pressed on whether British nationals in Lebanon will be able to bring dependents with them when they evacuate.

“Well, there'll be very clear guidance on that. But at the moment the priority is to ensure that people get out and leave immediately on commercial flights which are still available at the moment," he told ITV's Peston show.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has said that fighting between Israel and Hezbollah threatens to become an “all-out war."

The president made the comments on Wednesday as Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other advisers are working at the United Nations General Assembly, pressing for a temporary ceasefire to calm the escalating conflict.

This week has been the deadliest in Lebanon since the month-long war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006.

The UK has already sent 700 British troops to the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus in preparation for the possible evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon.

'Contingency plans are being ramped up but don't wait for those,' Starmer warns remaining Brits in Lebanon

Starmer, who is also visiting New York for the UN General Assembly, has repeated calls for British nationals to leave Lebanon "immediately" as he urged all parties to "step back from the brink" and "de-escalate".

The prime minister said he is "very worried" over the escalating Israel-Hezbollah conflict, as he called for a ceasefire in the Middle East.

"The time to leave is now," said Starmer. "Contingency plans are being ramped up, but don't wait for those.

"There are still commercial flights, it's very important that they hear my message, which is to leave, and leave immediately."

The missile firing on Wednesday marked a further escalation in the conflict which has forced thousands to flee their homes in southern Lebanon.

On Tuesday, Israel killed a top Hezbollah commander as part of a two-day bombing campaign that prompted thousands in southern Lebanon to seek refuge from the widening conflict.

Israel says the attacks will continue until it feels that the situation is more secure in the hope of returning their people to the northern border. Hezbollah says it will not stop its attacks over the border until there is a ceasefire in Gaza.

Smoke rises from Israeli airstrikes in the southern village of Kfar Rouman, seen from Marjayoun, south Lebanon. Credit: AP

UK Defence Secretary John Healey, speaking after a Cobra meeting on Tuesday, said: “Events in the past hours and days have demonstrated how volatile this situation is, which is why our message is clear, British nationals should leave now.

“We continue to urge all sides to step back from conflict to prevent further tragic loss of life. Our government is ensuring all preparations are in place to support British Nationals should the situation deteriorate.

"I want to thank the British personnel who are deploying in the region for their commitment and professionalism.”

A forklift removes a damaged car as Lebanese army gather at the scene of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Credit: AP

The troops will be supported by Border Force and Foreign Office officials.

The Royal Air Force also have aircraft and transport helicopters on standby to provide support if necessary, a statement said.

Along with the RAF airbase in Akrotiri in Cyprus, the Royal Navy has two ships - RFA Mounts Bay and HMS Duncan - which have remained in the eastern Mediterranean to support British nationals and allies over the summer.

Starmer was asked by ITV News Political Editor Robert Peston whether there is a risk a potential evacuation could bring similar scenes to those witnessed in Afghanistan after the 2021 withdrawal of NATO forces.

The PM said: “The most important message from me this evening is to British nationals in Lebanon, to leave immediately and I just want to reinforce that."

During the 2006 Lebanon War, which saw a 34-day armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, British civilians were evacuated by sea.

HMS Duncan returning to Portsmouth Naval Base in 2023. Credit: PA

Subscribe free to our weekly newsletter for exclusive and original coverage from ITV News. Direct to your inbox every Friday morning.

Israel's bombardment, which it claims consists of "precise strikes" on "Hezbollah targets", comes after electronic device explosions across Lebanon.

Walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah exploded simultaneously across Lebanon on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 September, killing dozens and injuring hundreds.

Israel has refused to comment on whether it was behind the pager attacks but Hezbollah and Iran have both blamed them.

Soon after the explosion Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared the start of a “new phase” of the war as his country turned towards focusing on Lebanon and Hezbollah.

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...