"Israel's special forces infiltrate Lebanon ahead of ground war"

Israel's special forces have been carrying out small, targeted operations to infiltrate southern Lebanon prior to the ground war, the Wall Street Journal reported.

The Wall Street Journal quoted multiple sources as saying on Thursday local time that Israeli special forces have conducted small infiltration operations in southern Lebanon to gather intelligence and investigate Hezbollah's capabilities.

Sources said the operation was carried out ahead of a possible ground war as early as this week.

He added that the operation was carried out over the past few months as well as recent times, and that the operation included Hezbollah's entry into a tunnel along the Israeli-Lebanon border.

Amir Abibi, a former senior Israeli official, said Israel's ground war was imminent and described the special forces' operation as part of the preparation process.

"Israeli forces have been preparing a lot for an invasion on the ground," he said, adding that "this always includes special operations."

However, sources observed that the timing of Israel's ground war may be adjusted.

In particular, attention is being paid to how the U.S. demand to pressure Lebanon not to launch a large-scale invasion will affect Israel's decision.