Israeli army denies Hezbollah claim of destroying 29 tanks in south Lebanon

JERUSALEM

The Israeli army on Friday denied Hezbollah's claims that it destroyed or disabled 29 Israeli tanks during recent fighting in southern Lebanon.

Responding to a query from Anadolu, Israeli military spokesperson Ella Wawiya said: "This is completely false."

"Hezbollah is making exaggerated claims as part of its media war," she added, saying Israeli forces continue to operate "according to their plans while maintaining readiness and minimizing losses."

"We do not comment on every claim, but we can confirm that most do not reflect reality," Wawiya said.

Hezbollah had said it destroyed or damaged 29 tanks in 96 operations carried out Thursday inside Lebanese territory and up to 120 kilometers (74.5 miles) inside Israel.

In a separate statement, the Israeli army said two soldiers were killed and six others wounded in recent fighting involving four divisions in southern Lebanon.

Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo announced a further expansion of ground incursions into southern Lebanon on Thursday, citing efforts to widen "a forward security zone."

Since the escalation began on March 2, the Israeli military has repeatedly announced ground operations in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah says it is confronting advancing forces. Channel 14 reported Wednesday that Israel plans to expand its military presence up to eight kilometers inside Lebanese territory and has begun establishing 18 military positions there.

Earlier this week, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the army is preparing "to deepen ground maneuvers and airstrikes in Lebanon under a structured plan," according to a military statement.

Lebanese authorities say Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed 1,116 people, wounded 3,229 others, and displaced more than one million.

Israel occupies parts of southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since the last war between October 2023 and November the following year.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul