JERUSALEM (VINnews)-IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Sunday that the Israeli military’s objectives in southern Lebanon remain focused on defending northern Israeli communities, as forces continue operations in the area despite a fragile ceasefire with Hezbollah.

“To that end, we are directing all of our efforts; the activity in the Ali Taher and Beaufort areas is also intended to serve this purpose,” Zamir said during a visit to southern Lebanon, according to remarks published by the Israel Defense Forces.

Zamir noted that Hezbollah is in a “very difficult situation” following the deaths of several mid-level commanders in the terror group over the past two days.

“The ceasefire that has been declared is fragile, and we must remain at a high level of readiness for the renewal of combat operations, the thwarting of threats, and a rapid transition to offensive action if required,” he added. “All IDF resources are allocated to this.”

The comments come as Israel maintains pressure on Hezbollah strongholds in southern Lebanon while assessing the stability of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire aimed at ending the year-long conflict along the northern border. Israeli officials have repeatedly stressed that military operations will continue as needed to secure the return of residents to northern communities displaced by Hezbollah attacks.