Israeli officials are preparing for a prolonged military campaign against Hezbollah that could continue even after the current war with Iran ends, The Financial Times reported, citing people familiar with internal discussions.

The Israeli military is planning an extended offensive in Lebanon aimed at inflicting significant damage on Hezbollah’s military capabilities and reducing the threat to communities in northern Israel. Officials believe the campaign could last at least as long as the conflict with Iran and potentially continue beyond any ceasefire reached with Tehran.

As part of those preparations, Israeli officials have debated the possibility of deploying troops to the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, an area widely regarded as a Hezbollah stronghold.

Two people familiar with the discussions said the option had been raised during internal planning, though no final decision has been made on whether such a deployment would take place.

People briefed on Israeli planning said the offensive against Hezbollah was intended to deliver enough damage to remove the persistent threat that has forced repeated evacuations of northern Israeli communities during previous rounds of fighting.