Israel appears to be starting its invasion of southern Lebanon, but on what U.S. officials believe will be a more limited basis.

Meantime, Israel continues to launch punishing airstrikes across Lebanon,

with some that have targeted leaders

of militant groups in addition to Hezbollah.

Nick Schifran is in Tel Aviv tonight.

Tonight, the drums of all-out war are beating.

Lebanese soldiers have left the border.

Just miles south, Israeli armored vehicles mass.

The US official tells PBS News hour and an invasion could be quote

imminent and Israel tonight declared areas near the border closed military zones.

After this afternoon, defense minister you have galant hinted to armored units they could soon invade

We'll do what needs to be done our aim is to return residents of Northern Israel to their homes.

We'll employ all of our capabilities,

including your forces and other forces from the air,

the sea, and the ground.

For nearly a year, Israeli towns near the border have been empty.

Threatened by Hezbollah rockets and short-range weapons just over the border.

Israeli officials say they have reduced Hezbollah's ability to strike,

shattered the Rank-in-files communication systems and command and control, and decapitated

the group with the massive strike that a US senator said used 2,000 pound American

bombs to kill leader Hassan Nasrallah.

But today his surviving deputy Naim Kossam warned the group was still ready to fight.

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