Israel’s military chief announces plans to advance targeted ground operations in Lebanon, warning the campaign against Hezbollah is only beginning.
JERUSALEM: Israel’s military will expand its targeted ground operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, the army chief said.
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir warned the offensive was still in its early stages, stating the operation had only just begun.
“We are now preparing to advance the targeted ground operations and strikes according to an organised plan,” Zamir said in a statement.
He described the campaign as a prolonged operation against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation.
Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said the expansion would begin within the coming week.
“In the coming week, we will begin to deepen our hold and strengthen the protection of our citizens,” Defrin said in a separate statement.
He added that forces would expand control on the ground to prevent direct fire on Israeli communities.
The comments came as Israeli strikes hit targets in south Lebanon, including a key bridge.
Lebanese President Michel Aoun warned the actions could signal the launch of a full ground invasion.
Lebanon was drawn into the wider Middle East conflict after Hezbollah began firing rockets on March 2.
The group said it was avenging the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint Israeli-US strike.
Israel has since conducted extensive airstrikes and sent troops into Lebanese territory.
Hezbollah has responded with repeated rocket barrages into northern Israel.
Zamir claimed significant accomplishments had been achieved in recent weeks.
“We have struck more than 2,000 targets, dozens of weapons storage facilities, and struck and eliminated hundreds of terrorists,” he said.
The army chief vowed operations would continue until the threat was pushed back from the border.
“We will not stop until the threat is pushed away from the border and long term security is ensured for the residents of northern Israel,” Zamir stated.