Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday that he has ordered the military to expand the existing security buffer zone in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in Israel's military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group.
I have now instructed to further expand the existing security zone in order to finally thwart the threat of invasion and to push the anti-tank missile fire away from our border
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister — Channel NewsAsia
The announcement came during Netanyahu's visit to Israel's Northern Command, where he delivered a video statement outlining the strategic rationale behind the expansion. The move represents Israel's continued effort to create a protective barrier along its northern frontier, where cross-border hostilities have intensified fears of broader regional escalation.
Last week, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that Israeli forces would control remaining bridges and establish a security zone extending to the Litani River, which flows approximately 30 kilometers north of Israel's border with Lebanon. However, Netanyahu's office declined to provide specific details about the scope of the latest expansion or whether it refers to additional territory beyond the previously announced buffer zone.
Iran is no longer the same Iran, Hezbollah is no longer the same Hezbollah, and Hamas is no longer the same Hamas. These are no longer terrorist armies threatening our existence -- they are defeated enemies, fighting for their own survival
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister — The Hindu
The conflict has exacted a heavy toll on both sides. According to sources familiar with Hezbollah's internal count, more than 400 fighters from the Lebanese armed group have been killed since hostilities began on March 2. Lebanese health ministry figures indicate that Israeli strikes and ground operations have resulted in over 1,100 deaths in Lebanon, including civilians, children, women, and medical personnel.
Israeli casualties have been comparatively lower, with the Israeli military reporting four soldiers killed in fighting in southern Lebanon. On Saturday, Israeli strikes killed three journalists working for Al-Manar and Al-Mayadeen television networks, adding to concerns about press safety in the conflict zone.
The expansion order comes as Israel faces criticism from European allies over domestic policy changes. Foreign ministers from Germany, France, Italy, and Britain issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over proposed Israeli legislation that would significantly expand possibilities for imposing the death penalty, warning it could undermine Israel's democratic commitments.