In a visit to troops along the Israeli-Lebanese border, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the recent exchanges of fire between Israel and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The visit comes as tensions between the two sides continue to escalate.

According to reports, Israel launched airstrikes targeting thousands of rocket launchers across southern Lebanon early Sunday, claiming the move was necessary to thwart an imminent Hezbollah attack. In response, Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets and drones aimed at military bases and missile defense positions in northern Israel and the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights.

The exchanges of fire have resulted in significant casualties, with 49 people killed in northern Israel since October 8 and 564 in Lebanon, according to local figures. The death toll is as of August 20, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

Netanyahu visited troops on Wednesday, saying, “When will it be the end of the story? Only when we can bring back the security and the residents to their homes safely.” Hezbollah began firing rockets and drones at Israel shortly after the outbreak of the latest war in Gaza, and Israel has responded with airstrikes.

The recent attacks have led to a vow from the Israeli government to bring quiet to the border, allowing its citizens to return to their homes. However, the government’s all-security rhetoric has crumbled following the October 7th attack.

Additional sources: L’Orient-Le Jour