Israel’s ground raids into southern Lebanon will target Hezbollah strongholds along the border that threaten Israel, not a war against the Lebanese people, Israel’s military said on Tuesday.

“These localized ground raids will target Hezbollah strongholds that threaten Israeli towns, kibbutzim and communities along our border,” said military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari. “Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases ready for an attack on Israel.”