Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday his instructions to the military to intensify the occupation in southern Lebanon, with a commitment to persist with the attacks until Israel’s objectives are fully realized.

According to Anadolu Agency, Netanyahu declared in a video statement on the US social media platform X that Israel is “determined to fundamentally change the situation in the north.” He emphasized the continuation of military operations in Lebanon, asserting that Israeli forces would maintain their efforts with intensity until their goals are accomplished.

The current military actions were initiated after the Israeli army conducted airstrikes and launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, following a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2. The region has been in a heightened state of alert since the US and Israel commenced an air offensive on Iran on February 28, an operation that has resulted in the deaths of over 1,340 people, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In response, Iran has executed drone and missile strikes against Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries that host US military installations. These retaliatory actions have led to casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions in global markets and aviation.