Israel is drawing up plans to expand its ground offensive in southern Lebanon, the country’s top general said, as its warplanes intensified their air campaign against targets in the country.
Herzi Halevi, chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, said on Wednesday that Israel was “formulating . . . plans for the continuation of the fighting in Lebanon, including the expansion and deepening of the [ground] manoeuvre”. This would come alongside diplomatic efforts to end the war between Israel and the Lebanon-based Hizbollah militant group, he said.
The Israeli military also announced on Thursday that it was expanding its offensive in Gaza into the northern town of Beit Lahia, as heavy fighting continued between IDF forces and Hamas militants in the nearby Jabalia refugee camp.