Tel Aviv: Israeli army's Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi has sanctioned the expansion of the ground incursion in southern Lebanon, as reported by state broadcaster KAN on Sunday. This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict, which has seen heightened military activity in recent weeks. According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli army initiated "limited, localized, and targeted" ground raids into southern Lebanon starting on October 1. These operations followed a series of heavy airstrikes, which Israel claimed were aimed at Hezbollah targets. The air campaign represented an escalation in the year-long cross-border conflict that has intensified since the onset of the Gaza war. Health authorities report that more than 3,100 individuals have been killed, and over 13,800 have been injured in Israeli attacks in Lebanon since October 2023. The ongoing conflict continues to have a devastating impact on the region, with significant casualties and injuries reported.