On March 30, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had directed the military to expand operations in southern Lebanon to prevent missile attacks from Hezbollah forces.
Speaking from the Northern Command, Mr. Netanyahu emphasized that this decision is aimed at expanding the existing security zone, with the goal of eliminating the risk of intrusion and pushing back anti-tank missile attacks far from the Israeli border. His office has not provided further details, and this issue has not been discussed at the security cabinet.
Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Katz said that Israeli forces would control the remaining bridges and the security zone extending to the Litani River, an area about 30km from the Israeli border.
The conflict escalated after Iranian-backed Hezbollah began launching missiles into Israel after airstrikes by the US and Israel against Iran. According to sources, more than 400 Hezbollah fighters have been killed since fighting broke out.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health said that Israeli airstrikes and ground operations have killed more than 1,100 people, including women, children and medical staff. The Israeli military also confirmed that 4 of its soldiers were killed in clashes in southern Lebanon.
Mr. Netanyahu affirmed that Israel has eliminated thousands of Hezbollah gunmen and significantly reduced the threat from this force's large missile arsenal. However, he said that Hezbollah still has the ability to carry out attacks and Israel is determined to fundamentally change the security situation in the northern region.
Israeli leaders also emphasized that the country is conducting operations on many fronts targeting Iran and allied forces, including Hezbollah and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, with the aim of weakening Iran's influence in the region.
