JERUSALEM / ISTANBUL

The Israeli military reported on Friday that an officer and a soldier were seriously injured during ground offensives in southern Lebanon.

The army said in a statement that the two were injured overnight during a military operation and were taken to the hospital.

The announcement came a day after the military said two soldiers were killed and six others wounded in southern Lebanon.

On Thursday, Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo said the army would further expand its ground incursion in southern Lebanon, citing the need to widen what it described as a “forward security zone.”

Since the current offensive began on March 2, the Israeli military has repeatedly announced ground operations in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah has said it is confronting advancing forces.

The military previously said four divisions, the 36th, 91st, 146th, and 210th, are participating in the ground operation.

Israel’s Channel 14 reported Wednesday that the army plans to expand its presence up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) inside Lebanese territory and has begun establishing 18 military positions.

On Sunday, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir vowed to expand both ground operations and airstrikes against Lebanon.

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

*Writing by Lina Altawell