JERUSALEM, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military on Monday declared towns near its northern border with Lebanon a "closed military zone," amid preparations for a possible ground campaign against Hezbollah.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared the military zone in the towns of Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi, noting that entry to the area is prohibited.
The northern Israeli border communities are across from the Kfar Kila village and the town of Marjayoun in southern Lebanon.
The decision was made "following a situational assessment," said the IDF in a statement.
Israel's Channel 13 TV news reported that the move was intended to distance the Israeli civilian population from the area ahead of a ground operation. ■
