Israeli claims that its soldiers began ground operations inside southern Lebanon "are false," Hezbollah said in a Tuesday statement. "No direct ground clashes have yet taken place between the resistance fighters and the occupation forces," the group said, referring to Israeli troops.

Fire and smoke rose from Beirut’s southern suburbs, which have been the focus of Israeli airstrikes. The IDF says the area contains Hezbollah targets.

An Israeli attack helicopter was seen firing missiles on Friday at the Lebanese border with the country, followed by smoke rising from southern Lebanon.