JERUSALEM: The Israeli military said on Tuesday it had completed the deployment of ground troops along a “defense line” in southern Lebanon, where it is fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah.
The military has not given any geographical details on the furthest point to which its soldiers have advanced into Lebanese territory.
Israeli media reported that the military did not intend at this stage to push troops deeper than around 20 kilometers (12 miles) north of the Israel-Lebanon border.
“At this stage, IDF soldiers have completed their deployment along the anti-tank missile defense line and continue to operate in the area in order to strengthen the forward defensive posture and remove threats to the residents and communities of northern Israel,” a military statement said.
Defense minister Israel Katz has said on several occasions in recent weeks that Israel intends to establish a “security zone” in southern Lebanon extending to the Litani river, which flows as much as 30 kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon border, in order to prevent rocket, drone or missile fire at northern Israeli communities.
