IDF soldiers crossed to the north of Lebanon's Litani River, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Friday during a visit to Israel's northern border.
"Our forces have crossed the Litani and advanced to controlling positions," said Netanyahu, and added, "We are operating in Beirut, in the Beqaa, across the entire width of the front, and are dealing Hezbollah a crushing blow."
Netanyahu visited the border alongside Defense Minister Israel Katz and was briefed by Northern Command Chief Maj.-Gen. Rafi Milo and 36th Division Commander Brig.-Gen. Yiftach Norkin on the IDF's Lebanon operations.
"I spoke with the brigade commanders who are currently in the field," said Netanyahu. "I hear them, and I also hear the soldiers, some of whom are standing here behind me; there is an immense fighting spirit. From here, the battle against Hezbollah in the north is being managed."
PM pleased with 'impressive results'
The Prime Minister also said that he was impressed with the military's results.
"There are very impressive results here," he said. "The brigade commanders tell me, as do the soldiers, that in every contact with them, in every encounter, we are both eliminating Hezbollah and causing them to flee."
"And it is this spirit that brings us these achievements," Netanyahu continued. "I salute you. You are lions. You have commanders who are lions, and you are proving the strength of the Israel Defense Forces' spirit. Keep going, with great success, until the very end."