Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Sunday that he has ordered the military to further expand the existing security buffer zone in southern Lebanon, as Israel continues operations against Hezbollah and faces escalating tensions with Iran across multiple fronts.
I have just ordered the military to further expand the existing security zone
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister — France 24
The directive comes as Israeli forces have been conducting ground operations and airstrikes in southern Lebanon, with Netanyahu stating the expansion aims to neutralize threats from Hezbollah militants and push anti-tank missile fire away from Israel's northern border. The Israeli military had previously announced plans to establish a buffer zone extending to the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers north of the Israeli border.
Speaking during a visit to Israel's Northern Command, Netanyahu acknowledged that Hezbollah retains some capacity to launch rockets despite significant losses inflicted by Israeli forces. The Lebanese health ministry reports that Israeli strikes and ground operations have killed more than 1,200 people in Lebanon, including civilians and medical personnel, while Hezbollah sources indicate over 400 of their fighters have been killed since fighting began in early March.
Iran is no longer the same Iran, Hezbollah is no longer the same Hezbollah, and Hamas is no longer the same Hamas
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister — The Hindu
The conflict has expanded beyond Lebanon, with Israeli forces launching new strikes on Tehran after detecting missile launches from Iran. The escalation has had global economic implications, with Iran's effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz driving up oil prices worldwide. West Texas Intermediate crude surpassed $100 per barrel, while Brent crude reached approximately $116.
The violence has also affected international peacekeeping efforts, with the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon reporting that one peacekeeper was killed and another critically injured when a projectile exploded at their position near the southern Lebanese village of Adchit al-Qusayr. UNIFIL stated they are investigating the origin of the projectile.
Meanwhile, Israel's parliament approved the 2026 budget with significantly increased defense spending, passing the measure with 62 votes in favor and 55 against. The budget reflects Israel's commitment to sustaining operations across multiple fronts as the conflict continues to expand regionally.
The escalation has prompted international concern, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer scheduled to convene industry leaders and government officials to discuss the economic impact of the Middle East conflict, particularly focusing on energy, shipping, and financial sectors affected by the regional instability.