The Israeli army continues to advance in southern Lebanon.
The escalation comes after weeks of gradual deterioration of the ceasefire reached on April 17. According to Israel, Hezbollah continued to use explosive drones against Israeli troops, causing an increasing number of military casualties. In response, the IDF expanded its ground and air operations to weaken the terrorist group's infrastructure and increase pressure for its disarmament.
Netanyahu highlighted that Israeli forces have eliminated about 8,000 Hezbollah fighters since the beginning of the war, including 700 in the last month. He also presented the capture of Beaufort as a “dramatic change” in Israeli strategy.
“We are taking the initiative and acting on all fronts to protect our communities,” the Prime Minister declared, suggesting that Israel could maintain security positions within Lebanese territory as long as the threat from Hezbollah persists.
The renewed offensive reflects Israel's determination to prevent the Iran-backed group from continuing to attack the civilian population in the north of the country and to restore security along the border.
Israel significantly raised the level of its military campaign against Hezbollah following a new wave of rocket and drone attacks against communities in the north of the country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the Army to resume high-intensity attacks on Dahiyeh, Hezbollah's main stronghold in Beirut, marking a new phase in the escalation of the conflict.
The decision came after Hezbollah launched more than 50 rockets and numerous drones against towns in Galilee over the weekend. Cities and towns such as Kiryat Shmona, Nahariya, Safed, Acre, and Beit Hillel were under constant fire or had to repeatedly activate air raid alarms. Although most civilians managed to take shelter in time, there were large-scale fires and several injuries reported.
“We will not allow a situation in which Israeli civilians are attacked while Hezbollah leaders enjoy immunity in Beirut,” Netanyahu stated while justifying the expansion of operations.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces continue to advance on the ground in southern Lebanon. The Army announced the capture of strategic positions on the Beaufort ridge and in the Wadi al-Saluki area, beyond the Litani River. Additionally, it confirmed operations near Nabatiya, one of Hezbollah's main activity centers and the deepest point reached so far by Israeli forces, about 20 kilometers from the border.
