Netanyahu: Israel to stay in Lebanon 'as long as necessary'

A senior Israeli official stated that Israel will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon as long as needed to protect its northern border, and that the IDF has been ordered to respond forcefully to any Hezbollah attack. Israel's ambassador to the U.S. reported that Hezbollah fired 50 rockets at IDF forces overnight, and in the past day launched 147 rockets, 20 explosive drones, and nine anti-tank missiles. This escalation comes amid a fragile ceasefire that has been repeatedly violated by both sides.