Israel announces a buffer zone inside Lebanon and orders troops to seize new strategic positions, as cross-border fire intensifies.

JERUSALEM: Israel announced it is establishing a buffer zone inside Lebanon and has ordered its military to seize additional strategic positions across the border.

Defence Minister Israel Katz said the authorisation was given to “prevent attacks on Israeli border communities”.

Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated troops were “creating a buffer” between Israeli residents and threats from Lebanon.

The Lebanese army responded by redeploying soldiers from several new border positions due to safety concerns.

A Lebanese military source said the move followed the Israeli army’s “escalation”.

The regional conflict expanded after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel to avenge the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israel responded with large-scale strikes on Lebanon, prompting the Lebanese government to ban Hezbollah’s military activities.

The Israeli military said it struck over 160 Hezbollah targets in south Lebanon, including elite Radwan Force members.

It also confirmed killing Hezbollah’s intelligence chief, Hussein Muakalled.

Several projectiles were later fired from Lebanon towards Israel, with most intercepted by defences.

Israeli military chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said Israel was “determined to eliminate” Hezbollah until it disarmed.

The military warned it would strike Hezbollah assets in the city of Tyre, advising residents of some buildings to leave.

A Lebanese army source expressed concern over “Israel’s attempt to establish a broad security belt in south Lebanon”.

AFPTV reported a series of air strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, without prior warning.

Hezbollah said it targeted three Israeli military bases in response to the strikes on its strongholds.

A rocket struck a house in the Israeli border village of Yuval, lightly injuring one person with glass shrapnel.

Israel maintains it is not planning a full-scale ground invasion but says “all options are on the table”.

Katz confirmed troops were ordered to seize additional locations inside Lebanon for tactical measures.

Israeli forces first entered Lebanon in September 2024 after cross-border exchanges with Hezbollah began.

Tens of thousands of residents on both sides were evacuated during earlier intensified fighting.

The Israeli military said it has reinforced troop deployments and air defences along the border.

Lebanese authorities said ongoing Israeli strikes have displaced over 58,000 people in Lebanon.

Israel was to withdraw forces under a November 2024 ceasefire but kept troops in five strategic border areas.

It cited Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm as the reason for maintaining its presence.

 The Sun Malaysia