1:47 PM EDT SATURDAY -- Following Lebanon, Israel's ground invasion of Syria has begun!
Israeli special forces have broken through the Syrian border from the Golan Heights towards the village of Qadana in armored vehicles.
The initial assault began about an hour and a half ago and has reportedly advanced at least 500 meters into Syrian territory.
This is a rapidly developing story, check back for updates. . . .
UPDATE 1:59 PM EDT --
The map below shows the area where the Israeli invasion is taking place:
Israeli troops backed by armor entered ~500 m into Syria in the S. Quneitra province. They seized an area West of Kudna, along the border fence with Golan, & bulldozed trees. No clashes with Syrian forces are reported, yet.
UPDATE 2:10 PM EDT --
The Israeli army declares several areas in the Upper and Western Galilee closed military zones.
SIMULTANEOUSLY, IN LEBANON -
The Israeli army is calling on residents of 23 towns in southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately.
MORE: "Israel must also force the UN to evacuate. (UN positions on map below.) "These useless forces have failed in their only mission – to stop Hezbollah’s activities south of the Litani River."
UPDATE 3:24 PM EDT --
From IDF: Following a situational assessment, the areas of Zar'it, Shomera, Shtula, Netu'a, and Even Menachem in northern Israel will be declared a closed military zone as of 20:00 today (Saturday). Entry to this area is prohibited.
5:19 PM EDT --
Israel declares a state of alert in the occupied Golan Heights and asks the settlers to pay attention to the instructions of the home front
