Israel on Tuesday stated it does not seek to take territory in Lebanon, as its military issued a fresh wave of evacuation warnings for towns and villages in the war-torn southern region. The announcement comes amid ongoing hostilities with Hezbollah, which began in early March when Israeli forces entered southern Lebanon to confront the Iran-backed militant group. Despite a shaky ceasefire established on April 17, violence has persisted.
Foreign Minister Clarifies Stance
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar addressed the media, emphasizing that Israel's presence in Lebanon is solely for defensive purposes. "Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon. Our presence... serves one purpose: protecting our citizens," Saar stated during a news conference. He further justified the military operations by asserting that no nation would tolerate living under the threat of attack. "No country would be willing to live in such a way with a gun pointed to its head," he said.
Continued Military Operations
The Israeli military continues its operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, targeting militant positions and infrastructure. The evacuation warnings are part of efforts to minimize civilian casualties as clashes persist. The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire.
