Israel is “pressuring Hezbollah militarily” to “stop the aggression and to retreat from south Lebanon”, the founder for the Israel Defence and Security Forum has told Sky News.

Brigadier general Amir Avivi said Hezbollah had “attacked Israel unprovoked” and “had been shooting Israel for 11 months”.

“Israel has set a very clear goal, returning back safely all the citizens to their homes and in order to do that, Hezbollah needs to stop shooting and retreat from southern Lebanon,” he said.

“Israel is hitting Hezbollah strongly and demanding that Hezbollah withdraw and stop shooting Israel.”

Questioned on the killing of an eight-year-old in the strikes in Lebanon this week, he added: “Unfortunately Hezbollah like Hamas uses its own citizens as human shields.

“This organisation is basically controlling Lebanon on behalf of Iran and it’s time the Lebanese people do something about it.”

Asked about what could be expected in the coming days, he added: “Israel could have done a ground incursion but Israel is giving a chance to Lebanon and Hezbollah to stop the aggression and to retreat from south Lebanon.

“Israel is pressuring Hezbollah militarily to take this decision and I hope they do for the sake of everybody.”