Jerusalem, Israel – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he has directed the Israeli military to widen its security zone inside neighboring Lebanon as part of ongoing operations along the border.
The decision comes as Israel continues its military campaign against Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based armed group backed by Iran. Speaking in a video statement, Netanyahu said the move was intended to strengthen protection for Israeli communities near the frontier.
“In Lebanon, I have just ordered the military to further expand the existing security zone,” Netanyahu said.
He explained that the expansion aims to prevent potential cross-border attacks and reduce the threat posed by anti-tank missiles. “This is intended to definitively neutralise the threat of invasion (by Hezbollah militants) and to keep anti-tank missile fire away from the border,” he added.
Okay News reports that Netanyahu made the remarks during a visit to Israel’s northern military command, where he assessed ongoing operations. He said Hezbollah still retains limited capability to launch rockets, but insisted the group had been significantly weakened.
“Iran is no longer the same Iran, Hezbollah is no longer the same Hezbollah, and Hamas is no longer the same Hamas,” he said.
“These are no longer terrorist armies threatening our existence — they are defeated enemies, fighting for their own survival.”
The Israeli leader also expressed confidence in the country’s military campaign. “We are determined, we are fighting, and with God’s help — we are winning,” Netanyahu said.
The development is likely to heighten regional tensions, as Lebanon and international observers closely monitor the expansion of Israeli military activity near the border.
