Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant tells troops in the north they are prepared to use forces "from the air, sea, and land".

Meanwhile, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said his government was ready to implement the 2006 UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which would see Hezbollah's armed presence removed about 30 km north of Israel’s border. Mikati said the Lebanese government was ready to implement the agreement in exchange for a ceasefire.

Nearly a year after Hamas’ unprecedented assault shattered their spirits, Israelis are in a triumphant mood over the pummeling their military has given Lebanon’s Hezbollah and the killing of its elusive leader.