Israel army preparing for Lebanon offensive, report says
The Israeli Army is preparing options for action against Hezbollah, Israeli media reports said.
Israeli Maariv newspaper reported Friday that the options do not include an all-out war that would disrupt the ceasefire agreement, but a "limited offensive" or a series of high-intensity operations aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's long-range missile capabilities, which Israel claims are being rebuilt.
The daily had previously reported that U.S. President Donald Trump has given Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "green light" to take military action against Hezbollah "if necessary" as the two leaders met at Mar-a-Lago.
Earlier this week, Maariv said that the Israeli army is ready to act against Hezbollah, claiming that the group is rebuilding itself especially north of the Litani river and that the Lebanese Army will not move to phase two of Hezbollah's disarmament, north of the river. The daily said Hezbollah's ability to respond will be limited, as the group was weakened during its war with Israel.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel kept up its attacks on south and east Lebanon, claiming it is targeting Hezbollah's infrastructure, weapons depots and training centers.
On Friday, Israel conducted a series of strikes on south Lebanon and Bekaa, including on al-Rihan mountains, the Tabna area near al-Baysariyyeh and Ansar's outskirts. The Israeli army said it targeted a training center used by elite al-Radwan force and arms depots.
