Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hezbollah of trying to undermine efforts to maintain and expand the recently extended ceasefire in Lebanon, warning that Israel will continue military operations against perceived threats.
Speaking for the first time after the announcement of a three-week extension of the truce, Netanyahu said Israel has begun what he described as a “process toward a historic peace” between Israel and Lebanon. However, he insisted that security risks remain high.
“It is clear to us that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage this,” Netanyahu said.
He added that Israel “will maintain full freedom of action against any threat, including threats in the making,” and confirmed that Israeli forces had carried out strikes in recent days.
“We struck yesterday and we struck today,” he said, adding that Israel remains “determined to restore security to the residents of the north.”
According to international correspondent Diana Magnay, the ceasefire arrangement is unilateral in practice, allowing Israel to continue targeted operations against Hezbollah under the justification of self-defense.
Recent reports also indicate continued hostilities in southern Lebanon, including claims that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) killed six Hezbollah fighters in operations in the area on the same day.
The situation reflects ongoing fragility in the ceasefire framework, despite diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
