On Saturday, Israeli Channel 13 reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to expand the military operation against Hezbollah in the north.
Sources close to Netanyahu told Channel 13 that no specific date has been set for this operation. It could begin within weeks or even months.
These sources also mentioned that the operation’s expansion depends on the Israeli military’s readiness and international political backing. Former Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said on Saturday, “It’s time for the north.”
Gantz criticized Netanyahu’s government for neglecting northern residents. He called for decisive action against Hezbollah to ensure the safety of the residents.
On Saturday evening, Israel carried out airstrikes on Aitaroun, Sheihin, Sarafand in the Sidon district, and Kfar Kila in southern Lebanon.
Additionally, Lebanese media reported that Israel carried out an airstrike in the Hermel area in the Bekaa Valley, eastern Lebanon.
On Friday, an Israeli army spokesperson reported that 140 targets in Lebanon had been hit recently, and a Hezbollah field leader was killed.
Since the Gaza war began on October 7, Hezbollah and Israel have been firing at each other daily across the Lebanese-Israeli border.
Hezbollah’s attacks mostly target Israeli military positions from southern Lebanon, which it claims support Gaza and its resistance. In retaliation, Israel strikes what it calls Hezbollah’s “military infrastructure” and fighter movements.