The chief of the Israeli military has instructed troops to prepare for a potential ground invasion in Lebanon, citing ongoing conflicts with Hezbollah. Lt Gen Herzi Halevi stated that extensive airstrikes against the Iran-backed militant group could facilitate operations to "enter enemy territory." This announcement coincided with U.S. President Joe Biden’s warning of the risk of "all-out war," as discussions at the United Nations aim to secure a 21-day ceasefire to halt the hostilities.

According to Lebanese health officials, at least 72 people died and 233 were injured on Wednesday due to intensified Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah. Lt Gen Halevi emphasized to Israeli soldiers, "You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day. This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah."

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the UN General Assembly, urged Israel to de-escalate its actions in Lebanon and called for Hezbollah to halt missile launches into Israel. His comments followed a meeting with Biden regarding the proposed ceasefire.

Since Israel launched a significant campaign on Monday to dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure, over 600 individuals have reportedly been killed in Lebanon. UN estimates indicate that approximately 90,000 people have been displaced in recent days, adding to the existing 110,000 who had already fled their homes prior to the escalation.

In an interview with ABC News, President Biden acknowledged the potential for "all-out war" but maintained that opportunities for a diplomatic settlement remain. The White House has emphasized a joint call with France for an "immediate 21-day ceasefire" along the Lebanon-Israel border to facilitate diplomatic negotiations, stating that the current situation is "intolerable" for both nations.

Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon expressed the country’s support for a ceasefire, emphasizing a preference for a diplomatic resolution while reiterating that Iran is the root of regional violence and must be addressed to achieve peace.

In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi voiced support for Hezbollah, warning that the country may abandon its previous constraints. "The region is on the brink of a full-scale catastrophe," he cautioned, highlighting the severe consequences if the situation escalates further.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remarked that "hell is breaking loose in Lebanon" and stressed the need to prevent the country from becoming another Gaza. He called for all parties to stop the violence and de-escalate tensions.

In his address to troops, Lt Gen Halevi reaffirmed Israel's commitment to targeting Hezbollah, stating, "We keep striking and hitting them everywhere. The goal is very clear: to safely return the residents of the north." He indicated that preparations for a military maneuver could lead to troops entering enemy territory.

On the same day, cross-border skirmishes continued, with Hezbollah claiming to have targeted the headquarters of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency in Tel Aviv—a first for the group. However, the Israeli military reported that the missile was intercepted and caused no damage or casualties.

Israeli fighter jets carried out strikes on more than 280 "Hezbollah terror targets" on Wednesday, with attacks reported near the southern city of Sidon, north of Beirut, and in the Bekaa Valley region. This latest surge of violence follows previous incidents last week, where 39 people were killed due to the explosion of communication devices used by Hezbollah members.

As tensions mount, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.