JERUSALEM — Israel said its ground troops crossed into Lebanon overnight, launching what the military described as “localized” raids to root out Hezbollah fighters and infrastructure. Hezbollah, meanwhile, said it saw no sign of Israeli forces and its troops were ready to confront them.

President Biden demanded a 'ceasefire now' following reports that Washington had been briefed by Israel on its plans to launch a 'limited' ground invasion into Lebanon imminently in fight with Hezbollah.

Israel’s military said it had launched a ground incursion into Lebanon, describing it as a “limited” operation targeting Hezbollah. However, officials for Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia and Lebanon’s strongest political party, said no Israeli troops had entered Lebanon early on Tuesday.