Netanyahu: Israeli Army is Occupying "Strategic Locations" in Lebanon

Xinhua News Agency, Jerusalem, May 26 (Reporters Pang Xinyi and Wang Zhuolun) Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu convened a security cabinet meeting on the 26th, stating that the Israel Defense Forces are intensifying military strikes in Lebanon, conducting operations in deep areas, and occupying some "strategic locations."

According to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, Netanyahu said that he, along with the Defense Minister and the Chief of Staff of the IDF, has instructed the military to "strengthen military operations in Lebanon," with significant troop deployments aimed at seizing "strategic locations." The Israeli side is consolidating a "security buffer zone" to protect the civilian population in northern Israel.

Netanyahu also mentioned that, at the same time, the Israeli side is working nationwide to develop "innovative solutions" against drone threats.

Earlier that day, Israeli media reported that in response to the drone threat from Hezbollah, the IDF has begun ground operations beyond the so-called "Blue Line" defined by the April 17 ceasefire agreement, moving into deeper areas of Lebanon. The IDF issued evacuation warnings to 13 villages in southern Lebanon, stating that airstrikes would be launched against these locations.

The night before, Netanyahu released a video statement saying he had instructed the military to "further step on the gas" and increase the intensity of strikes against Hezbollah.

The Israeli and Lebanese sides began a 10-day temporary ceasefire on April 17, which has been extended multiple times. However, since the ceasefire took effect, the IDF has launched attacks citing violations of the ceasefire agreement by Hezbollah and has dismantled and destroyed what it calls "Hezbollah military infrastructure" in the areas of southern Lebanon it occupies.