"We are reinforcing the security buffer zone to protect the communities in northern Israel," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office on Tuesday evening in connection with a meeting of Israel's security cabinet.
The Israeli military is now operating beyond the so-called yellow line that runs about ten kilometers into southern Lebanon, a military source confirmed to AFP earlier in the day. Israel is operating with “significant forces,” according to the prime minister.
The Israeli forces have previously operated mainly inside the line, which they themselves established when a ceasefire began on April 17.
At the same time, we are implementing a major national effort to promote creative and innovative solutions against explosive drones, Netanyahu added in his statement.
The Iran-backed Shiite militia has increased its drone attacks recently, according to the Times of Israel.
Despite a ceasefire, Israel and the Shiite militia Hezbollah have exchanged fire with each other almost daily, and both sides accuse each other of violating it.
Netanyahu stated on Monday that he had ordered the military to "accelerate its operations" with the goal of "crushing" Hezbollah.
Several Israeli attacks were carried out against southern Lebanon earlier on Tuesday, including against the city of Nabatieh, AFP reports. Israel issued several evacuation orders against villages and towns in southern Lebanon on Tuesday evening.
On Monday, at least eleven people, including two children, were killed in Israeli strikes, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry.
