Israeli army claims ‘operational control’ north of Wadi Saluki

The Israeli army says it has established “operational control” over the area north of the Wadi Saluki stream in southern Lebanon, about 10km from the Israeli border.

It said forces had cleared the area, which it claims Hezbollah used to launch attacks, as part of efforts to strengthen Israeli positions in southern Lebanon.

Israel’s ongoing ground offensive in southern Lebanon has drawn condemnation from a number of Arab and European countries and has advanced deeper into Lebanese territory than at any point since Israel’s withdrawal from south Lebanon in 2000.