Israeli commando units made brief incursions into Lebanon in recent days, as signs emerged that Israel was preparing for a wider invasion targeting Hezbollah. Israel’s defensive minister said today that “the next stage of the war against Hezbollah will soon commence.”

The raids focused on gathering intelligence about Hezbollah positions close to Israel’s northern border, as well as on identifying Hezbollah tunnels and military infrastructure, which officials expect Israel to try to destroy if a broader operation follows. Today, troops were seen gathering at the border.

Israel’s cabinet also met this evening to discuss whether and when to launch a major ground operation in southern Lebanon, which would be Israel’s first there in nearly two decades. American officials said that they believed that the invasion would be a limited one.

In related news, U.S. officials have repeatedly warned about strengthening ties between Russia, China, North Korea and Iran.