Israel Says It Struck New Hamas Military Chief in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel carried out an attack against the new chief of Hamas's armed wing in Gaza. Netanyahu made the statement during remarks at the start of a cabinet meeting. He did not provide further details on the outcome of the strike.

Netanyahu also said the Israeli military is expanding ground operations in Lebanon and seizing more territory. The prime minister said forces are fortifying a security zone to protect northern communities. The military issued evacuation warnings to residents in the village of Mashghara in Lebanon's Beqaa Valley and said it struck more than 100 Hezbollah sites overnight.

The target assumed the military leadership role about one week earlier, following the death of his predecessor. Officials said the individual previously served as head of military intelligence for the armed wing and participated in planning the October 7, 2023 attacks.

A joint statement from the prime minister's office and the defense minister described the action as a targeted strike. Israeli officials did not say whether the individual was killed. >"We are deepening our operation in Lebanon.