The IDF also refused to rule out a possible ground invasion of Lebanon, as it launched a series of extensive air strikes in the country’s southern region.

Asked by reporters about a possible Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon, Daniel Hagari said “we will do whatever is needed” in order to return evacuated residents of northern Israel

The Israeli military said on Monday it was conducting extensive strikes against targets of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon, which come amid some of the heaviest cross-border exchanges of fire in nearly a year of conflict.