From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Netanyahu convenes security cabinet, says IDF ‘intensifying operations’ against Hezbollah, taking ‘strategic positions’ in Lebanon
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleNava Freiberg is The Times of Israel's deputy diplomatic correspondent.
Delivering opening remarks at a full security cabinet session, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is “intensifying [its] operations” in Lebanon by taking strategic positions and reinforcing the security buffer zone amid the recent surge in drone attacks by Hezbollah.
“We are intensifying our operations in Lebanon. The IDF is operating with significant forces on the ground and taking control of strategically dominant positions. We are reinforcing the security buffer zone in order to protect the communities of northern Israel,” Netanyahu says in a video released by his office.
“At the same time, we are carrying out a major national effort to advance creative and innovative solutions against explosive drones,” he adds.
The session follows Netanyahu’s security consultation earlier today with Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv.
The IDF confirmed to The Times of Israel earlier today that it had expanded ground operations beyond the designated security zone in parts of southern Lebanon in recent days.
The Times of Israel Community.