Israeli official says attacks aim to prevent Hezbollah from rebuilding itself

The latest Israeli military maneuvers on the northern front are aimed at “implementing defense and moving to offense,” an Israeli military official told Al-Arabiya on Thursday.

“We are dealing any immediate threat in Lebanon in a direct manner,” the official said, adding that “any Hezbollah activity along the frontier is being monitored.”

“We will not allow the rehabilitation of Hezbollah’s military structure and the attacks in Lebanon are aimed at preventing the rebuilding of Hezbollah’s military structure,” the Israeli official added.

Noting that the Israeli army is “working within a coordination mechanism” is “cooperating with Washington, UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army,” the official pointed out that “withdrawal from the five points in south Lebanon is a political decision.”

And alleging that “buildings near the border fence are a civilian cover for Hezbollah,” the official said “there is no reason for the presence of civilians” there.

Moreover, the official said Israel has targeted more than 300 Hezbollah members since the ceasefire.