JERUSALEM, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that large Israeli ground forces were "deepening" their operation in Lebanon, and seizing "dominating areas."
In a video statement at the beginning of his Security Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said the expanded operation aims to fortify what he described as a "buffer zone" in southern Lebanon, along Israel's northern border.
"The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) is operating with large forces on the ground and seizing dominating areas," Netanyahu said.
He added that Israel was carrying out what he called a major effort to develop "creative and innovative" solutions against Hezbollah's explosive drones, which have killed and wounded Israeli troops during the fighting.
Earlier on Tuesday, state-owned Kan TV news reported that the Israeli ground forces have begun operating beyond a "buffer zone" in southern Lebanon.
A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect in April. Despite the truce, Israel has continued to carry out near-daily strikes in Lebanon, while Hezbollah has launched attacks on Israeli military positions. ■
