Netanyahu to Israeli army: Increase occupied territory to 70 percent

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made statements regarding the Israeli army's occupation of the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Lebanon during a special program he attended.

Netanyahu stated that despite the ceasefire currently in effect between the parties, they are increasing their pressure on Hamas, noting that they currently occupy 60 percent of the territory in Gaza.

Netanyahu stated that he has given instructions to expand Israel's occupation, saying, "We had occupied 50 percent of the Gaza Strip. Now we are at 60 percent. My instruction is to increase the occupied areas to the 70 percent level."

The Israeli Prime Minister stated that his country's ongoing occupation in Lebanon will also continue, saying, "Today we attacked Beirut, yesterday we attacked Tyre. Our forces have crossed the Litani River. We are hitting them very hard and we will continue to hit them."

At least 16 dead in Israel's ceasefire violation

In a statement made by Lebanese officials, it was noted that at least 16 people lost their lives and 58 people were injured in the attacks carried out by Israel in the southern regions of the country today.

Israeli media, on the other hand, claimed that Ali al-Husni, the commander of the missile unit of the Imam Hussein Division, an Iranian militia force operating alongside Hezbollah, was targeted in the attack on the capital Beirut today. The attack in question was the first strike Israel has carried out on the capital since May 6.

These attacks came at a time when the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was extended. The Israeli army had launched attacks on Iran on February 28 and on Lebanon on March 2. US President Donald Trump announced on April 17 that a 10-day ceasefire had been declared between Israel and Lebanon, and the ceasefire was later extended until May 17. Following contacts between the parties, the US Department of State announced that the ceasefire had been extended for another 45 days.