Netanyahu moves to extend buffer zone in southern Lebanon
Benjamin Netanyahu (photo: Getty Images)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he has ordered the military to expand the "buffer zone" along the Lebanese border in response to Hezbollah attacks, Sky News reports.
"I have just instructed to further expand the existing security buffer zone. We are determined to fundamentally change the situation in the north," Netanyahu said during a visit to northern Israel.
He emphasized that Israel has already eliminated thousands of Hezbollah operatives and significantly reduced the "immense threat of 150,000 missiles and rockets that were intended to destroy the cities of Israel."
"Hezbollah still has a residual capability to launch rockets at us," Netanyahu added.
The prime minister stressed that the expanded "buffer zone" is intended to strengthen Israel's security position along its northern frontier.
The outlet noted that cross-border fighting in northern Israel has raised concerns about a potential broader regional escalation.
Background
On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran. On March 2, Lebanon's Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel in solidarity with Tehran.
Israel responded with airstrikes on Lebanon, forcing over one million Lebanese civilians to flee their homes as Israeli ground forces continued operations in southern Lebanon.
Earlier reports from Axios indicate that Israel has deployed three divisions along the Lebanese border and is preparing for its largest ground operation in 20 years.
Also, Israeli troop numbers along the border have more than doubled since early March, with military operations against Hezbollah intensifying.
