Netanyahu says Israel expanding Lebanon offensive despite ceasefire

Expansion of ground operations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the Security Cabinet on Tuesday that the military is expanding its offensive in Lebanon with large ground forces now controlling strategic areas, according to a statement from his office. "We are deepening our operations in Lebanon, and the Israeli army is operating with large ground forces and controlling strategic areas," he said, adding that the army was fortifying what he called a "security belt" to protect northern Israeli towns.

Ceasefire under strain

The remarks come as the Israeli army continues to violate a US-announced ceasefire that took effect on April 17 and was subsequently extended until early July. Netanyahu did not specify the locations of the expanded operations or explain how the "security belt" fortifications align with the truce agreement brokered by Washington.

Humanitarian toll

According to Lebanese officials, Israeli attacks have killed nearly 3,200 people, injured more than 9,600 and displaced over 1.6 million since early March. The continued escalation threatens to further destabilize the region ahead of the ceasefire's expiration in early July.