Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will intensify its military offensive against Hezbollah, targeting sites across Lebanon, including the Bekaa Valley and southern suburbs of Beirut. The decision comes amid heightened tensions following recent drone attacks by Hezbollah.
Key Takeaways
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to intensify military strikes against Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, including the Bekaa Valley and southern suburbs of Beirut. The decision follows recent drone attacks by Hezbollah and alleged violations of a ceasefire agreement that began on April 17.
- Israeli military has launched multiple strikes in response to what it describes as violations of a ceasefire agreement
- Netanyahu declared Israel is 'at war with Hezbollah' and instructed the military to deal them a crushing blow, stating over 600 terrorists had been eliminated so far
- Right-wing ministers urged Netanyahu to resume bombing Beirut in response to increased explosive drone attacks
- Intensified strikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement, with at least six people killed in southern Lebanon amid fresh evacuation orders issued by Israeli forces
The Israeli military has launched multiple strikes in response to what it describes as violations of a ceasefire agreement that began on April 17. Netanyahu declared that Israel is 'at war with Hezbollah' and instructed the military to deal them a crushing blow, stating that over 600 terrorists had been eliminated so far.
Right-wing ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have urged Netanyahu to resume bombing Beirut in response to increased explosive drone attacks. However, Netanyahu rejected these demands and preferred defensive measures. Another ultranationalist minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, called on Netanyahu to inform President Donald Trump that Israel is returning to war in Lebanon.
The intensified strikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties and displacement. The Lebanese National News Agency reported an exodus of people from the southern suburbs of Beirut, a major Hezbollah stronghold. At least six people were killed in southern Lebanon amid fresh evacuation orders issued by Israeli forces. The Israeli military cited Hezbollah’s violation of the ceasefire agreement as the reason for the forced displacement orders.
According to Sky News, UNIFIL and Lebanese authorities have documented more than 5,700 Israeli ceasefire violations since the US-brokered ceasefire began a month ago. Lebanon's ministry of public health reported that the total number of fatalities since early March has passed 3,000 people, including children and medical workers.
Netanyahu stated in a video posted on social media that Israel will intensify attacks on Hezbollah due to recent drone attacks. He mentioned that a special team is working on addressing the fiber optic drones used by Hezbollah. The Lebanese National News Agency reported residents leaving Beirut's southern suburbs following Netanyahu's statement, with several airstrikes hitting the eastern town of Mashghara in the Bekaa region.
Hezbollah claimed to have carried out eight attacks earlier in the day, including a drone attack on Israeli troops in Misgav Am. A U.S. State Department official stated that Hezbollah has ignored repeated requests to stop firing at Israel and that over 1,000 drones and 700 rockets have been fired since the ceasefire went into effect.
Lebanon and Israel began direct talks in Washington last month, with military officials set to meet again on Friday. The State Department official noted that a successful ceasefire led by Lebanon would strip Hezbollah of their power and narrative. An Israeli airstrike killed four people and wounded three in the southern village of Kfar Rumman, while drone strikes killed three more.
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