“Israel” continues its aggression on Lebanon for 45th consecutive day
BEIRUT, April 15 (YPA) – The Israeli occupation army continues its offensive on Lebanon for the 45th consecutive day, intensifying airstrikes as casualties rise, while the Islamic Resistance group Hezbollah says it is continuing to defend Lebanon and its population.
Media reports indicate that Israeli occupation forces are carrying out systematic demolitions in southern Lebanon in an apparent effort to establish a buffer zone. Hezbollah, meanwhile, continues to respond by firing rockets on Israeli military positions and troop concentrations.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that five people were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a house in the town of Ansariya in southern Lebanon early Wednesday.
Lebanese media also reported that Israeli aircraft carried out pre-dawn strikes on the towns of Al-Majadel, Khirbet Al-Doueir, Ansariya, and Al-Babliyah in the south.
In a related development, Israeli occupation army radio, citing sources, said military commanders are pushing to expand the ground operation beyond the so-called third line in southern Lebanese villages.
The newspaper Haaretz revealed that the Israeli army is working to establish additional military positions in southern Lebanon, effectively doubling their number, in an approach similar to what was implemented in the Gaza Strip.
It explained that Israeli forces are demolishing homes in the area with the aim of evacuating residents and imposing a buffer zone. Meanwhile, the Israeli army confirmed it will continue to act “forcefully against Hezbollah” to prevent attacks on Israeli residents, particularly in the north.
In the same context, Yedioth Ahronoth claimed that the Israeli army thwarted an attempt by Hezbollah members to infiltrate a military site in southern Lebanon.
The newspaper also pointed to gaps between the military establishment and the political leadership regarding the concept of defense in the south, reflecting internal disagreements over how to manage the confrontation.
For his part, an Israeli battalion commander said that the goal of establishing the buffer zone is to ensure that fighting always takes place “on enemy territory,” indicating a new strategy the army seeks to entrench along the Lebanese border.
@E.Y.M