Israel's military will expand its ground operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, its army chief said, warning that the offensive against the group was still in its early stages.
Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on March 2 to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli-US strike.
Israeli military officers said the expansion of the ground operation would begin within the coming week, with the aim of deepening their hold and strengthening the protection of citizens in northern Israel.
Israel has sent troops into Lebanon and carried out extensive airstrikes, while Hezbollah has launched rocket barrages.
Israeli army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said the operation against Hezbollah had only begun and would be a prolonged one.
He added that Israel would not stop until the threat was pushed away from the border and long-term security was ensured for the residents of northern Israel.
