On Thursday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned Lebanon that if the country does not stop Hezbollah from launching assaults, Israel will occupy the territory and act on its own.

Katz cited recent heavy attacks from Hezbollah that began on Wednesday, to which the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) had responded forcefully. He and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have ordered the IDF to prepare for an expanded operation in Lebanon.

Earlier, the “Jerusalem Post” reported that a full invasion of Lebanon is being rejected by the Israeli military, noting that the conflict with Iran must first be de‑escalated.