JERUSALEM (Agencies ) – Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli military to deepen its ground operations inside Lebanon, saying the move is aimed at intensifying pressure on Hezbollah amid ongoing cross-border hostilities, according to a statement reported by Reuters.
“I instructed the military to expand its ground manoeuvre in Lebanon,” Netanyahu said, confirming a further escalation in Israel’s campaign along the northern front. He added that the objective was to “deepen and expand our grip on the places that were under Hezbollah’s control,” signalling an intent to consolidate territorial gains in areas where Israeli forces are currently operating.
The announcement comes as clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah have intensified in recent weeks, raising concerns that the conflict could widen further beyond the border region. The Israeli government has repeatedly argued that its operations are focused on neutralising Hezbollah positions and preventing rocket fire into northern Israel.
Military officials in Israel have described the ground manoeuvre as part of a broader strategy to push Hezbollah fighters away from the frontier and dismantle infrastructure believed to be used for attacks. The Israeli Defence Forces have not provided detailed operational maps, but have confirmed continued strikes and targeted raids in southern Lebanon.
Hezbollah, a powerful armed group and political movement backed by Iran, has been engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire with Israel since the escalation of regional tensions following the Gaza conflict. The group has maintained that its actions are in support of Palestinian factions and has warned that Israeli incursions into Lebanese territory will be met with resistance.
The situation has placed additional strain on Lebanon, where political instability and economic crisis have already weakened state institutions. Local authorities in southern regions have reported displacement of civilians as fighting intensifies near border villages, with families moving further north to avoid bombardment.
International observers have warned that a deeper Israeli ground push could significantly increase the risk of a wider regional war, drawing in additional actors and complicating diplomatic efforts to stabilise the frontier. Several countries have called for restraint and renewed negotiations to prevent further escalation.
Israel, however, has signalled that military pressure will continue until it achieves what it describes as a secure buffer zone along its northern border. Officials argue that sustained Hezbollah presence near the frontier poses an ongoing security threat that cannot be addressed through limited strikes alone.
The evolving situation remains highly fluid, with both sides maintaining active military postures and no indication of an immediate ceasefire. Analysts say the coming days will be critical in determining whether the conflict stabilises or expands into a broader confrontation.
