Arabic version: إسرائيل توسع حملتها العسكرية ضد حزب الله في لبنان
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli military to intensify strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon to “crush” the armed group. This announcement was made in a video released on Telegram, where Netanyahu stated, “We are at war with Hezbollah, and we will intensify our strikes.” This directive aligns with demands from far-right coalition partners for an escalation of military action.
According to Al Jazeera, the order comes despite the “ceasefire” agreed upon with Lebanon last month, which was recently extended. Netanyahu emphasized that the Israeli military would not reduce its efforts, saying, “I said to step on the gas even more.”
Following this announcement, the Israeli military launched attacks on Hezbollah infrastructure in various locations, including the Bekaa Valley. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported an exodus of residents from southern Beirut, a stronghold of Hezbollah, as tensions escalated. The announcement coincided with Lebanon’s Liberation Day, marking the departure of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon after an 18-year occupation in 2000.
The Israeli military has been carrying out daily strikes in southern Lebanon, with recent reports indicating casualties, including four deaths and multiple injuries in Kfar Reman. Strikes also targeted the al-Midan neighborhood in Nabatieh, causing damage to residential buildings and a Shia Muslim community center. Additionally, incendiary phosphorus munitions were reportedly dropped, igniting fires in agricultural areas.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health has reported that since the onset of open war with Hezbollah on March 2, Israeli actions have resulted in 3,185 fatalities. In a related incident, an Israeli soldier was killed in a drone strike during combat in southern Lebanon, prompting calls from far-right ministers for renewed bombing campaigns in Beirut. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suggested that for every explosive drone, ten buildings should be targeted in Beirut, while Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir advocated for an intense return to warfare in Lebanon.
