JERUSALEM/BEIRUT, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday in a videotaped statement that Israel retains "full freedom" of action in Lebanon to counter any threat, including those that are still emerging.
He noted that "we have begun a process to achieve a historic peace between Israel and Lebanon, and it is clear to us that Hezbollah is trying to sabotage it."
He added, "We carried out strikes yesterday and today, we are determined to restore security to the residents of Israel's northern region."
Regarding the Iranian arena, Netanyahu said, "I had an excellent conversation with President Trump. He is putting very strong pressure on Iran, both economically and militarily. We are working in full cooperation."
On the same day, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that its soldiers killed six Hezbollah armed militants in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon, on Friday.
According to the statement, two of the militants were killed during an exchange of fire, while the other four were struck and killed while staying in a structure.
Fierce fighting broke out on Friday afternoon in Bint Jbeil between Israeli forces and members of Hezbollah, Lebanon's National News Agency reported, saying an explosion was reported on the outskirts of Bint Jbeil.
Meanwhile, Lebanon's Health Ministry said the cumulative death toll from Israeli attacks since March 2 through April 24 had risen to 2,491, with 7,719 others wounded.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on April 16 that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, which took effect on the same day.
The Israeli military has since carried out several strikes against Hezbollah militants and infrastructure, claiming the attacks as a way to thwart threats to its forces. ■
