Netanyahu confirms IDF soldiers crossed Litani River, military 'operating in Beirut, Bekaa Valley'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Friday that Israeli forces have advanced north of Lebanon's Litani River, engaging in operations across a wide front that includes Beirut and the Bekaa Valley. During a visit to Israel's northern border, Netanyahu stated, "Our forces have crossed the Litani and advanced to controlling positions." He asserted that the military is inflicting a "crushing blow" on Hezbollah.

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Our forces have crossed the Litani and advanced to controlling positions. We are operating in Beirut, in the Beqaa, across the entire width of the front, and are dealing Hezbollah a crushing blow.

Netanyahu, accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz, received briefings from Northern Command Chief Maj.-Gen. Rafi Milo and 36th Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Yiftach Norkin. The Prime Minister reported speaking with brigade commanders and soldiers in the field, noting their "immense fighting spirit." He declared that the battle against Hezbollah in the north is being managed from the border area.

The Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction with the military's performance, describing the results as "very impressive." He relayed feedback from commanders and soldiers who reported eliminating Hezbollah operatives and forcing them to flee in every encounter. Netanyahu attributed these achievements to the soldiers' spirit and lauded them as "lions," acknowledging their commanders as well.

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There are very impressive results here. The brigade commanders tell me, as do the soldiers, that in every contact with them, in every encounter, we are both eliminating Hezbollah and causing them to flee.

Netanyahu urged the soldiers to continue their efforts with great success until the very end of the operation. The confirmation of forces operating deep within Lebanon, including in major urban centers like Beirut, signifies a significant escalation of Israeli military activity in the region.

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And it is this spirit that brings us these achievements. I salute you. You are lions. You have commanders who are lions, and you are proving the strength of the Israel Defense Forces' spirit. Keep going, with great success, until the very end.