• Netanyahu orders the Israeli military to expand operations in southern Lebanon.
• The aim is to strengthen Israel's security against Hezbollah rocket threats.
• Military actions have intensified following cross-border hostilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that he has instructed the military to expand its operations in southern Lebanon, asserting this is necessary to “fundamentally change the security situation” against Hezbollah. He emphasized that the operations aim to neutralize any threats of invasion and prevent missile fire targeting Israeli borders, as tensions escalate amid the ongoing conflict with Iran and its allied groups, including Hezbollah. Netanyahu stated, “We are determined to fundamentally change the situation in the north,” highlighting the serious military posture of Israel, according to aa and channelnewsasia.

Israel's military actions have been characterized by airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, reportedly targeting Hezbollah's remaining capabilities to launch rockets. Netanyahu reported that Israeli forces have already made significant gains, having eliminated “thousands of Hezbollah terrorists” and a substantial portion of Hezbollah's missile arsenal. He described the Lebanese group and its allies as “defeated enemies, fighting for their own survival,” showcasing Israel's confidence in its military strategy, as stated by aljazeera and reuters.

As part of Israel's strategy, Netanyahu emphasized the importance of controlling the area up to the Litani River, which is seen as critical for thwarting threats from Hezbollah. He stated that the military operations in Lebanon are part of a broader multi-front campaign against Iran and its proxies, claiming such actions are decreasing Iran's influence in the region. Reports indicate that since the escalation of hostilities, the conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, including over 1,100 deaths in Lebanon, according to health ministry sources, as reported by aa and aljazeera.