The Israeli military has launched a 'limited, localized' operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, conducting targeted ground raids in villages close to the Israeli border. The operation, which has been planned for months and approved by political leaders, comes as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalate. Israeli artillery has been pounding southern Lebanon, and there are signals that more forces may be sent across the border to fight the Iran-backed militants. There have been no direct clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants, but a Western diplomat in Cairo said an Israeli ground operation in Lebanon is 'imminent.'