Israel’s military chief has told troops that extensive air strikes in Lebanon targeting the armed group Hezbollah could pave the way for them to “enter enemy territory”.

Israel remembers the 2006 war against Hezbollah as a defeat. But this time, the military has had years to prepare.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed the military would maintain its bombardment of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon indefinitely, while at the same time engaging with efforts by the US and allies to secure a cease-fire that would ease the risk of a regional war.