Netanyahu Orders Intensified Attacks on Hezbollah

The Israeli army, according to several sources, has expanded its ground operations in southern Lebanon beyond the so-called "yellow line" that Israel established after the April ceasefire with the militant Hezbollah movement.

The demarcation line is part of a planned buffer zone that is expected to extend five to ten kilometres into Lebanese territory. Meanwhile, Israeli troops continue to operate in dozens of abandoned villages near the border.

Despite the ceasefire, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to escalate. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced an intensification of attacks against Hezbollah, while the militant movement says it has attacked Israeli troops with drones, rockets and artillery near the town of Zawtar al-Sharqiya.

At the same time, the Israeli army has launched further attacks in both southern Lebanon and the Bikaa valley and issued new calls for the evacuation of civilians.

(reuters, mja)