Tel aviv: Israel plans to occupy the first line of villages in southern Lebanon to prevent rocket fire, Israeli media reported on Wednesday. Channel 12 said the political echelon intends to instruct the army to occupy any area in Lebanon from which anti-tank weapons are launched, 'until further notice.'

According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli media report claims that Israel intends to control all areas that threaten the population, especially the first line of villages in southern Lebanon. The channel did not specify which villages are targeted by this plan. It further stated that this occupation is seen as a bargaining chip until the areas can be retrieved on Israel's terms.

The Israeli media cited an unnamed senior Israeli security source who emphasized that the Lebanese government has no other option but to dismantle Hezbollah, describing it as the most effective measure. The source's comments underscore the ongoing tensions and strategic considerations influencing Israel's military policies in the region.

The situation has escalated with the Israeli army intensifying airstrikes across Lebanon amid cross-border attacks with Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire deal that has been in place since November 2024. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Lebanese authorities reporting at least 968 people killed and 2,432 injured in Israeli strikes across Lebanon since March 2.

The current escalation followed a joint US-Israeli offensive on Iran, which has resulted in approximately 1,300 deaths since February 28. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries, which it accuses of targeting 'US military assets.'