Netanyahu threatens Lebanon's 'destruction' as Hezbollah pushes back border advances

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to unleash wholesale destruction on Lebanon similar to Gaza, amid a huge troop build-up on the border.

Netanyahu made a video on social media where he addressed the Lebanese people, warning they can expect the experience the same level of destruction as Gaza, where more than 42,000 people have said.

"You have an opportunity to save Lebanon before it falls into the abyss of a long war that will lead to destruction and suffering like we see in Gaza," Netanyahu said in a speech addressed to Lebanon's population.

The speech came a day after Gaza marked one year of war, where Israel has been accused of committing genocide with almost the whole of the enclave destroyed in artillery and air strikes.

Netanyahu's words raise fears that a similar onslaught will be launched on Lebanon where hundreds of civilians have already been killed in two weeks of bombing.

Lebanon's ministry of health reported that 36 people were killed and 150 wounded by Israeli strikes on Tuesday, bringing the total number of dead to 2,119 with 10,019 injured since the start of the Israeli aggression on Lebanon.

Israeli forces have continued attempts to gain ground in southern Lebanon, with Hezbollah announcing on Wednesday that it had repelled infiltrations into border areas.

One Israeli force attempting to penetrate the south of the village of Labbouneh were repelled by Hezbollah fighters, while clashes were reported in the town of Bilda. Hezbollah said it detonated an explosive device and left several soldiers injured.

Israel said overnight that three soldiers were killed on the border with Lebanon.

The Israeli military said it intercepted two projectiles fired from Lebanon on Wednesday, after air sirens were triggered in and around the coastal town of Caesarea, south of Haifa. A day earlier, Hezbollah had fired over 180 projectiles into Israel, targeting Haifa and other areas of the country's north.

It appeared an attempt by Hezbollah to rally support and show stability after a series of setbacks inflicted by Israel, including the assassination of leader Hassan Nasrallah on 27 September.

Hezbollah Deputy leader Naim Qassem delivered a televised address on Tuesday saying the group's capabilities were intact, warning Israel against escalating further.

"We have overcome the painful blows that have struck us, and alternatives have been secured in all positions without exception. We do not have a vacant position, and Hezbollah is working with full readiness and regularity," he said,

Qassem also backed ceasefire efforts by Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri with a barrage of rockets fired into Israel after his speech ended.

"We support the political activity being led by Berri under the title of a ceasefire," Qassem said.

"In any case, after the issue of a ceasefire takes shape, and once diplomacy can achieve it, all of the other details can be discussed and decisions can be taken. If the enemy (Israel) continues its war, then the battlefield will decide."