Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning about the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, describing the Lebanese militant group as Iran’s "strongest arm."

Israeli newspaper Maariv quoted Netanyahu as telling his government members on Sunday that he instructed the Israeli military and all security forces to prepare for a potential shift in the situation along Israel's northern border with Lebanon.

"We cannot continue with the current situation," Netanyahu stated. "We are obligated to return the residents of northern Israel to their homes safely."

During the day, the Israeli army launched preemptive strikes against Hezbollah positions, targeting rocket launchers poised to fire at Israel. According to Netanyahu, these strikes destroyed thousands of short-range rockets intended to hit Galilee, as well as drones launched towards the center of the country.

"This is not the end of the story," Netanyahu said, referring to the operation, emphasizing that his government would continue to take measures to ensure the safety of its citizens.

He also warned Hezbollah and its supporters in Tehran that any attempt to attack would be met with an immediate and firm response.

Adding to the growing sense of urgency, Israel's Channel 12 quoted a senior security official who warned that the situation between Israel and Hezbollah is nearing "the point of explosion." The official noted that while a military campaign in Lebanon is becoming more likely, the exact timing remains uncertain.