IDF Destroys Qasimiyah Bridge in Southern Lebanon; Lebanese President Warns of 'Prelude to Ground Invasion'

Israeli forces destroyed the Qasimiyah Bridge in southern Lebanon, severing a key north-south route. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun characterized the strike as a 'prelude to ground invasion,' while the IDF Chief of Staff stated the fight with Hezbollah has 'only just begun.' Iran reportedly bypassed Hezbollah's cautious internal leadership to order the opening of a second front. The escalation in Lebanon adds a costly new dimension to Iran's multi-front strategy, with the CS Monitor reporting that Hezbollah's decision to engage is proving more expensive than anticipated for all parties.