Washington: US President Donald Trump on Monday stated that Hezbollah has been "a big problem" that was "rapidly being eliminated," as Israel initiated a ground offensive in Lebanon targeting the Iranian-backed group.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump, during a meeting with Kennedy Center board members, was asked whether he discussed the matter with Israeli leadership and if the US supports the Israeli ground invasion of southern Lebanon. He did not provide a direct answer but emphasized that "Hezbollah is a problem, problem for a long time."

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed early Monday that the army had commenced the ground operation. On Sunday, Israel's public broadcaster reported that the military had sought government approval to mobilize 450,000 reservists in preparation for the offensive.

Israel expanded airstrikes across Lebanon, including the capital Beirut, on March 2 following cross-border Hezbollah attacks amid the broader regional escalation triggered by the joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran.

Lebanese health authorities reported that the strikes have resulted in at least 886 fatalities, over 2,100 injuries, and the displacement of more than 830,000 people.

Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some held for decades and others seized during the most recent war between October 2023 and November 2024.