Israeli army chief says military is preparing for ground operation in Lebanon

Addressing troops on the northern border, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said the latest airstrikes were designed to ”prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah.”

In an apparent reference to the missile fired at Tel Aviv, he told troops: "Today, Hezbollah expanded its range of fire, and later today, they will receive a very strong response. Prepare yourselves.”

It was not clear whether Halevi was referring to a ground operation, airstrikes or some other form of retaliation against Hezbollah, which is Lebanon's strongest political force and, with backing from Iran, is widely considered the top paramilitary group in the Arab world.