Israel's armed forces, the IDF, have confirmed that they have begun a "ground operation" in the south of Lebanon.

Just days after the assassination of militant group Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah and a spate of other senior leaders in the organisation, Israeli troops crossed their northern border.

A statement from the IDF confirmed it had started "limited, localised, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon" - in the name of protecting Israelis in the north of the country, thousands of whom have been displaced from their homes for some time.

The statement read: "In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localised, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

"These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

"The IDF is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command which IDF soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months.

"The Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery are supporting the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area.

"These operations were approved and carried out in accordance with the decision of the political echelon.

"Operation 'Northern Arrows' will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas.

"The IDF is continuing to operate to achieve the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes."