Israel on Tuesday reiterated that it has no intention of seizing land in Lebanon, even as its military issued a new round of evacuation warnings for towns and villages in the country’s conflict-hit south.
Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have persisted since early March, with Israeli forces operating inside southern Lebanon against the Iran-backed militant group. The violence has continued despite a fragile ceasefire announced on April 17.
Speaking at a news conference, Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar said the country’s actions were driven solely by security concerns. “Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon. Our presence serves one purpose: protecting our citizens,” he said.
He added that no nation would tolerate living under constant threat, as Israeli military operations against Hezbollah continue in the region.
