The conflict in the Middle East could be about to escalate even further as Israeli troops prepare to cross into Lebanon following the triumphant assassinations of Hezbollah’s leadership.

Iran could intervene if the IDF marched into Lebanese territory and analysts believe the remaining members of the proscribed terrorist group Hezbollah are willing to “fight to the death”.

This week, Israel launched an astonishingly effective targeted campaign to take out Hezbollah’s decision-makers, including Hassan Nasrallah, the long-time leader of the organisation.

Intelligence analyst Anthony Glees told The Sun: “I now expect within hours that the Israeli army is going to march into southern Lebanon in the first instance, and we will see yet a further escalation.

“If Hezbollah won’t hand over their weapons and they won’t then the Israeli Defense Force is going to go in there and take the weapons off them.”

The week started with bombing raids across Lebanon, justified by Benjamin Netanyahu on the grounds that Hezbollah was hiding weapons systems in Lebanese homes.

That came after Hezbollah pagers and walkie-talkies were remotely exploded in a devastating attack. Israel has not admitted to carrying out the strike but Hezbollah has pointed the finger at the IDF.

Since then, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said the attacks on Lebanon were launched to soften up the enemy and create opportunities for the military to enter.

He announced earlier this week: “You can hear the planes above, we are attacking all day.

“This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah.”