Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that Israeli forces were expanding ground operations in Lebanon and capturing what he described as "strategic areas" as fighting along the border intensified.⁣ ⁣ "The IDF is operating with large forces on the ground and capturing strategic areas. We are fortifying the security zone to protect the northern settlements," he added. ⁣ ⁣ Netanyahu also said Israel was investing in new measures to counter drone threats. ⁣ ⁣ On Monday, Netanyahu ordered strikes to be increased against Hezbollah, despite an ongoing US-brokered ceasefire.⁣ ⁣ Israel and Lebanon are in a 45-day ceasefire extension that was agreed upon in mid-May 2026.⁣ ⁣ #israel #lebanon #ceasefire #netanyahu #conflict #idf #hezbollah #usa