The last 48 hours in the Middle East – in which Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and continued to bombard the Iran-backed group across Lebanon – have once more ratcheted fears that this long-running conflict could spiral into a wider regional war.

The small, targeted raids are aimed at gathering intelligence ahead of a possible ground incursion that could come as soon as this week.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the raids have focused on gathering intelligence and the special forces have also entered tunnels operated by Hezbollah along the border between Israel and Lebanon.

The situation between Israel and Lebanon remains tense. According to the "Wall Street Journal," the Israeli military is increasingly preparing for a "potential ground invasion" of its northern neighbour.

Israeli special forces have been carrying out intelligence-gathering raids in Lebanon ahead of an expected ground incursion in the coming days, according to reports Monday. The raids, which have been unfolding for several months,