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Source: https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skprme2mgl#autoplay
Israel Sees "Huge Achievement" in Lebanon, Deepens Control in Gaza
(Ynet News) Itamar Eichner - Assessments presented to Israel's Security Cabinet described Israel's situation in Lebanon as "excellent." Under the Israel-Lebanon agreement, Israeli officials say Israel received international legitimacy to remain in a security zone 8-10 km. deep inside Lebanese territory and continue clearing and dismantling terrorist infrastructure until Hizbullah is dismantled. "This is a huge achievement for Israel, remaining in the territory with authority and permission while the IDF continues to operate and dismantle infrastructure," a senior Israeli official said. The IDF is expected to hand over two pilot areas to the Lebanese army. According to a senior Israeli official, it will take at least several weeks before the Lebanese army is ready to assume responsibility for them. However, the official said, "We assess that the Lebanese army cannot dismantle Hizbullah and that ultimately we will have to do it ourselves, on our own timetable. We will prepare ourselves with intelligence and everything else that is needed. But at least during this period we remain in a security zone, keep the enemy away from our communities, remove the threat and thoroughly clear the entire area for complete sterilization, something that has never happened before." In Gaza, Israel is pushing Hamas into a smaller area along the coast in order to clear the territory, the Israeli official said. "We drill, destroy tunnels, and gradually deepen the clearing and purification of all terrorist infrastructure in Gaza....Gaza is in ruins. There is no reconstruction....We have full freedom of action. All the headlines claiming Hamas is rebuilding are complete nonsense. It has very limited ability to rebuild because we control everything that enters. So yes, it has some smuggling here and there, but it is not a dramatic development that changes reality."