Netanyahu vows continued Israeli operations in Lebanon ahead of renewed talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel would continue destroying Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, days after Washington reportedly said Israeli and Lebanese officials would resume U.S.-mediated security talks next month.

"They will continue to destroy the terror infrastructure in the 'security zone' in Lebanon," Netanyahu said in a video statement, referring to territory in southern Lebanon where Israeli troops remain deployed despite a ceasefire that took effect in June. He warned that Israel would inflict "even heavier blows" if attacked. Israel and Lebanon are due to meet in Rome in October in a new round of U.S.-mediated talks aimed at reaching a security agreement and reducing tensions. Israel continues to hold a swathe of southern Lebanon, while Beirut has demanded a full Israeli withdrawal.