00:28Mandatory Credit: IDF
Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi announced on Monday that the Israeli army initiated a "preemptive offensive operation" targeting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Speaking at the underground command centre in Tel Aviv, Halevi emphasised the significance of this operation, stating, “This morning, the IDF launched a proactive offensive operation.
Essentially, we are targeting the combat infrastructure that Hezbollah has been building for the past 20 years.” He added, “Everything is focused on creating the conditions to return the residents of the north to their homes.”
Earlier, the Israeli army reported launching “intensive and precise strikes against terrorist targets” throughout Lebanon, urging civilians in the Southern Lebanon and Bekaa Valley regions to avoid areas associated with Hezbollah’s military activities.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported that the ongoing shelling has resulted in 356 deaths and 1,246 injuries. Various villages, particularly in the districts of Tyre, Sidon, and Nabatieh, have come under fire.
Netanyahu had previously stated his intention to “change the balance of power in the north,” reaffirming that the military operations were part of this commitment. In response, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting several Israeli military installations, including the Northern Corps reserve headquarters.
The conflict has escalated significantly in recent days, particularly following the deaths of key Hezbollah figures and retaliatory attacks, leading to an intense cycle of cross-border shelling since October 8, 2023, coinciding with the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.
'Preemptive offensive operation' - Halevi states Israel is targeting 20 years of 'Hezbollah combat infrastructure'
Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi announced on Monday that the Israeli army initiated a "preemptive offensive operation" targeting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Speaking at the underground command centre in Tel Aviv, Halevi emphasised the significance of this operation, stating, “This morning, the IDF launched a proactive offensive operation.
Essentially, we are targeting the combat infrastructure that Hezbollah has been building for the past 20 years.” He added, “Everything is focused on creating the conditions to return the residents of the north to their homes.”
Earlier, the Israeli army reported launching “intensive and precise strikes against terrorist targets” throughout Lebanon, urging civilians in the Southern Lebanon and Bekaa Valley regions to avoid areas associated with Hezbollah’s military activities.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported that the ongoing shelling has resulted in 356 deaths and 1,246 injuries. Various villages, particularly in the districts of Tyre, Sidon, and Nabatieh, have come under fire.
Netanyahu had previously stated his intention to “change the balance of power in the north,” reaffirming that the military operations were part of this commitment. In response, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting several Israeli military installations, including the Northern Corps reserve headquarters.
The conflict has escalated significantly in recent days, particularly following the deaths of key Hezbollah figures and retaliatory attacks, leading to an intense cycle of cross-border shelling since October 8, 2023, coinciding with the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.
Mandatory Credit: IDF
Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi announced on Monday that the Israeli army initiated a "preemptive offensive operation" targeting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Speaking at the underground command centre in Tel Aviv, Halevi emphasised the significance of this operation, stating, “This morning, the IDF launched a proactive offensive operation.
Essentially, we are targeting the combat infrastructure that Hezbollah has been building for the past 20 years.” He added, “Everything is focused on creating the conditions to return the residents of the north to their homes.”
Earlier, the Israeli army reported launching “intensive and precise strikes against terrorist targets” throughout Lebanon, urging civilians in the Southern Lebanon and Bekaa Valley regions to avoid areas associated with Hezbollah’s military activities.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health has reported that the ongoing shelling has resulted in 356 deaths and 1,246 injuries. Various villages, particularly in the districts of Tyre, Sidon, and Nabatieh, have come under fire.
Netanyahu had previously stated his intention to “change the balance of power in the north,” reaffirming that the military operations were part of this commitment. In response, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting several Israeli military installations, including the Northern Corps reserve headquarters.
The conflict has escalated significantly in recent days, particularly following the deaths of key Hezbollah figures and retaliatory attacks, leading to an intense cycle of cross-border shelling since October 8, 2023, coinciding with the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war.