Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon have uncovered weapons stockpiles and killed dozens of Hezbollah fighters, according to the Israeli military, which says it is expanding its ground operations to consolidate control and push back threats along the border.

In a statement, Israeli army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said paratrooper brigade units had located ammunition and military equipment and “eliminated dozens of Hezbollah militants” during ongoing operations in the south.

He said Israeli troops have established what he described as “operational control” in the field and are continuing to target infrastructure in an effort to reinforce a forward defensive line and remove threats to communities in northern Israel.

Adraee added that Israeli forces had also uncovered improvised explosive devices and detonation systems that had been planted to target Israeli troops.