Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu entered southern Lebanon on Sunday to conduct a situational assessment in territory seized by Israel, according to an Israeli official and a source familiar with the visit.
The rare trip marks the first time Netanyahu has crossed into Lebanon since the beginning of the Iran war, and it comes just two days before Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to hold direct talks in Washington, DC.
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the visit and released video of Netanyahu meeting with Israeli troops. “Our enemies — Iran and the axis of evil — came to destroy us, and now they are simply fighting for their survival,” Netanyahu said.
The prime minister was accompanied by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
Katz said the purpose of Israel’s growing occupation of southern Lebanon was “to evacuate every resident south of the Litani (River) who isn’t returning – and won’t return – until security is guaranteed here for the northern residents.”
He said the operation was called “Silver Plow.”
Israel has carried out more strikes in Lebanon this weekend targeting Hezbollah, while the Iranian-backed paramilitary group has carried out rocket launches at northern Israel.