Israel mobilizes further brigades in fight against Hezbollah

Israel's military has mobilized four more reserve brigades after the launch of its ground offensive against the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon.

"This will enable the continuation of operational action against the terrorist organization Hezbollah," the Israeli army said.

An Israeli brigade generally consists of several thousand soldiers.

The army said it is currently fighting against Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon to destroy its infrastructure and weaken the Iran-backed group, pushing it back from the border.

Israeli forces will not advance into Beirut or any other city in the southern Lebanon, military spokesman Daniel Hagari emphasized.

The military says the ground operation, which is limited to villages in the border area, would be completed as quickly as possible.

One of the main objectives of the operation is to enable the return of some 60,000 displaced residents of northern Israel to their homes.