It was seen as the rare warning made by the Israeli military to the Lebanese people in nearly a year of steadily escalating conflict.

Daniel Hagari, Israeli military spokesperson, said at a press conference on Monday that Israel's military will engage in more extensive and precise strikes against Hezbollah sites which have been embedded widely throughout Lebanon, adding that they will do whatever is needed to ensure the return of evacuated residents of northern Israel to their homes.

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon have escalated in recent days, with Israeli airstrikes killing dozens in Lebanon, including senior Hezbollah commanders. Hezbollah has fired hundreds of rockets at Israel, after a series of explosions of communications equipment belonging to members of the group last week killed at least 37 people and injuring some 3,000.