Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) advance into southern Lebanon aims to prevent "direct fire" on Israeli communities near the border.
"To prevent the possibility of direct attacks against Israeli communities, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and I have authorized the IDF to advance and hold additional dominant territory in Lebanon, and from there to protect border communities," Katz said.
He added that the IDF continues operations against Hezbollah targets in Lebanese territory. "The terrorist organization is paying and will pay a high price for its fire against Israel," the Israeli Defense Minister stressed.
