The Israeli army may start a ground war in the south of Lebanon against the Hezbollah group, The Times reports.

As noted, the Israeli Defense Forces are seeking to push Hezbollah troops back to the Litani River, about 20 kilometers from the Israeli border.

Israel is concerned that the north of the country could suffer from an attack similar to the one that took place on October 7 by Hamas.

"What happened in the south is nothing compared to what they can do here. Israel's doctrine is to take the war to the other side," a senior Israeli army officer told the Times.

The Israeli government is now discussing how big a threat Hezbollah is to the country.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant believes that the country must continue to strengthen its deterrence in the north. This month, he announced that Hezbollah should move its forces north of the Litani River.

"We want to restore peace, and we will do it through an agreement or by force, with all the consequences that entails," Gallant said.