ISLAMABAD: Israel may soon approve the mobilisation of up to 450,000 reserve troops as part of preparations for a possible ground offensive in Lebanon, according to reports by Israeli media.
Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported that the large-scale mobilisation is being considered as part of military planning linked to the possibility of an expanded conflict along the northern border. The broadcaster said the proposal is expected to be submitted soon to government ministers and the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee for approval, although it did not cite specific sources for the information.
Currently, the authorised ceiling for reservist mobilisation stands at approximately 260,000 troops, based on a government decision issued in January. If approved, the new proposal would significantly raise the number of reservists that could be called up for military service.
Escalating tensions
The report comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon. Israeli forces are reportedly assessing options to intensify operations, including the possibility of a wider ground incursion into Lebanese territory.
Israeli forces have recently targeted infrastructure in southern Lebanon, including a bridge over the Litani River, which the Israeli military claimed had been used by Hezbollah fighters as a transit route.
The report also indicated that Israel is considering expanding the buffer zone in southern Lebanon while coordinating with the United States over developments along the northern frontier.
Regional tensions have intensified since late February following the outbreak of conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran. Iran has responded to the attacks with missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and what it describes as US-linked interests across several countries in the region, leading to casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.
