JERUSALEM, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir toured southern Lebanon on Wednesday following fresh Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese targets, telling commanders they face "no limits" in operations against Hezbollah.

This photo taken with a mobile phone shows people extinguishing a fire caused by Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon, on April 8, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua)

His remarks came as Lebanon's LBCI television reported that a third round of peace talks between Israel and Lebanon could be held in Washington next week, though there was no immediate official confirmation.

Despite Lebanese calls to halt the attacks and a fragile ceasefire that took effect last month, Israeli strikes have continued.

During an operational assessment in the Al-Khiam area, Zamir said Israeli forces would remain deployed in southern Lebanon until long-term security is ensured for residents of northern Israel.

He also said Israeli forces have killed more than 2,000 Hezbollah fighters since the start of what he described as the current campaign about two months ago.

"You have no limitation in the exercise of force for this purpose," he told commanders. "Continue the mission to locate the enemy in the area and destroy them."

Zamir also framed the fighting along the border as part of a broader regional campaign, saying Israel remained prepared for wider operations across the Middle East, including potential action against Iran.

"In Iran, we have an additional series of targets ready to be struck," he said. "We are on high alert to return to a powerful and broad campaign that will enable us to deepen our achievements and further weaken the Iranian government."