Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday that Israel is “intensifying operations” in Lebanon by taking strategic positions and reinforcing the security buffer zone as the IDF pushed past the lines it held as it seeks to counter the recent surge in drone attacks by Hezbollah.

The announcement, which the premier made during a full security cabinet session Tuesday evening, came as the Israel Defense Forces confirmed that it has expanded ground operations beyond the designated security zone in parts of southern Lebanon in recent days, in an effort to push Hezbollah operatives farther north and reduce the threat of explosive drone attacks on northern Israeli communities.

It also came as the Israeli Air Force escalated its fire against Hezbollah, carrying out over 100 strikes in the Beqaa Valley in eastern Lebanon and across the country’s south overnight and throughout Tuesday.

“We are intensifying our operations in Lebanon. The IDF is operating with significant forces on the ground and taking control of strategically dominant positions. We are reinforcing the security buffer zone in order to protect the communities of northern Israel,” Netanyahu said in a video released by his office.

“At the same time, we are carrying out a major national effort to advance creative and innovative solutions against explosive drones,” he added, after meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv.

A day earlier, Netanyahu ordered the IDF to “intensify blows” against the Iran-backed group amid incessant Hezbollah attacks despite the US-brokered ceasefire that is still officially in place.

Channel 12 reported that Zamir had been pressing forcefully to be allowed to take the fight to Hezbollah. Over the past two days Katz had pushed his message with Netanyahu, who eventually gave the go ahead.

Israel had been exercising restraint amid pressure from the US, which is trying to finalize a deal with Iran.

Regarding the ground advance, IDF officials quoted in Hebrew media said the army has been carrying out “targeted intelligence-based raids” both beyond the forward defensive line and north of the Litani River, focusing on areas where Hezbollah maintains infrastructure and operational footholds.

Troops reportedly clashed with Hezbollah operatives north of the Litani on Tuesday, as the terror group said it targeted Israeli forces advancing toward the southern Lebanese town of Zawtar al-Sharqiya with explosive drones, rockets and artillery.

It also said it launched several rocket, artillery and exploding drone attacks on Israeli troops and vehicles mobilizing along the river toward the Nabatieh village of Yohmor al-Shaqif.

Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV reported battles along the northern bank of the Litani.

Hezbollah has fired thousands of drones and rockets at Israel in recent weeks, escalating its attacks in an apparent bid to derail talks between Jerusalem and Beirut, several rounds........

© The Times of Israel