First Thing: Israel launches invasion into southern Lebanon

Israel says heavy fighting' is under way as it targets Hezbollah. Plus, the Picasso in the cellar

Good morning.

Israeli forces crossed the border into southern Lebanon early on Tuesday morning, the first Israeli ground invasion into the country since 2006.

Why is Israel launching the offensive now? It comes after two weeks of airstrikes, which killed the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, and a series of deadly explosions to pagers and walkie-talkies that Israel hopes has weakened the agility and organization of Hezbollah. There is also little political incentive for Benjamin Netanyahu to let up, as targeting Hezbollah has given the embattled Israeli prime minister a political boost.

What does the invasion mean for the stability of the region? Fears of a wider regional conflict, sparked by the Hamas attacks on 7 October, are closer than ever. The US has called for de-escalation. But, as Joe Biden prepares to leave the White House, Israel's strongest ally appears to have little leverage. Meanwhile, the reformist-led government of Hezbollah's backer Iran said it had no plans to send troops to Lebanon, but it was coming under domestic pressure from hardliners.

Follow our live blog here.

What are the workers pushing for? Hourly pay under the contract that expired on Monday range from $20 to the top wage of $39. The union seeks raises of 77% over the six-year contract to a top rate of $69 an hour by 2030.