Netanyahu unrelenting after the death of Israeli soldiers: We'll stay in southern Lebanon for as long as it takes

Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said he ordered the Israeli army to carry out extensive blows against dozens of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, in response to the attacks that occurred during the night and cost the life to four Israeli soldiers, and also caused injuries to five others.

In a statement from his office, Netanyahu said it was a response to a "criminal attack" by Hezbollah, which he described as "a blatant violation of the truce".

"After Hezbollah's attack, which is a blatant violation of the truce, I ordered last night the IDF to strike Hezbollah with power," he noted.

According to the Israeli Prime Minister, the Israeli Armed Forces hit more than 80 goals of the organization and took out dozens of its fighters, followed by new operations against Hezbollah command centers in the Becca Valley.

Netanyahu stressed that Israel would "not tolerate attacks on its soldiers or territory" and would impose a "very heavy price" for such actions. He also reiterated the commitment that Israeli forces would remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon "for as long as necessary", with the aim of protecting the country's northern communities.

The soldiers will remain in the safety zone, Katz says.At the same wavelength, Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed that Israeli Armed Forces will continue their presence in southern Lebanon, stressing that any violation of the Hezbollah truce will be responded with strong military action.

"We will not allow a threat to our soldiers and citizens," he said, adding that the forces will remain in an extended security zone from the coast to the mountainous areas of Beaufort, with the aim of preventing attacks and destroying Hezbollah's infrastructure.

These developments are recorded at the time Israel is under increased international pressure on how operations are conducted in Lebanon, with US President Donald Trump and Vice President Jay Di Vance, according to international media, unusually severe criticism of the Israeli government.

At the same time, Iran insists that Israel's complete departure from southern Lebanon is a condition under the memorandum of understanding signed with Washington.