JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon on Sunday, declaring that a newly established security zone has successfully thwarted the threat of invasion from Hezbollah while emphasizing that more work remains.

Netanyahu toured forward positions in the Israeli-controlled buffer zone alongside Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other senior commanders. Wearing a bulletproof vest, he addressed soldiers directly and received operational briefings on ongoing efforts to secure the area south of the Litani River.

“What we see is that we have thwarted the threat of invasion from Lebanon thanks to this security zone, we are removing the danger of anti-tank fire and are also dealing with anti-tank missiles (rockets), but there is more work to do,” Netanyahu told the troops. “We have done a huge job, tremendous achievements, there is more to do — and we are doing it.”

The visit comes amid continued low-to-moderate intensity operations against Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Israel has maintained and expanded its presence in the border region to prevent cross-border attacks, including rocket and anti-tank missile fire that displaced tens of thousands of Israeli residents from the north in previous years.

Israeli officials describe the buffer zone as essential for restoring security to northern communities. Hezbollah has continued sporadic responses, while Lebanese authorities report civilian casualties from Israeli strikes in the area.

Netanyahu’s trip to Lebanese territory — rare for an Israeli prime minister during active operations — underscores Israel’s determination to establish facts on the ground rather than rely solely on diplomatic arrangements such as U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for Hezbollah to withdraw north of the Litani River.

No immediate ceasefire is in effect on the northern front, even as broader regional diplomacy involving the United States, Iran and Lebanon continues. Israeli leaders have repeatedly stated that operations will persist until Hezbollah’s military capabilities near the border are dismantled.

The Prime Minister’s Office released footage of the visit showing Netanyahu surrounded by IDF soldiers in the field.

VINnews will continue to monitor developments on the northern border.