Israel has intensified its military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorising what he described as a “crushing blow” against the Iran-backed group. The escalation has drawn political backing from Washington, further heightening tensions in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli military has been given approval to expand strikes on Hezbollah positions, following weeks of cross-border clashes and continued rocket fire into northern Israel.
A senior United States official has placed responsibility for the escalation on Hezbollah, arguing that the group’s continued attacks made Israeli military action unavoidable. The official said Israel should not be expected to absorb ongoing strikes against its forces and civilians without response.
The United States government United States Government has expressed support for Israel’s position, stating that the current security situation is unsustainable and that Hezbollah has contributed to rising instability by continuing hostilities.
On Monday, the Israeli military carried out a series of airstrikes across Lebanon. Targets reportedly included Hezbollah positions in the Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon, near the Syrian border, as well as sites in the south of the country where most recent operations have been concentrated.
Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would intensify their operations, claiming that more than 600 Hezbollah fighters had been eliminated since the start of the current phase of conflict. Israeli officials say the aim is to weaken the group’s military infrastructure and prevent further attacks on Israeli territory.
The latest escalation comes despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire framework agreed earlier this month between Israel and Lebanon, which was intended to reduce hostilities over a 45-day period. However, Hezbollah has continued firing, according to Israeli officials, undermining efforts to stabilise the situation.
Hezbollah Hezbollah has not publicly agreed to fully halt its military activity, and tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border have remained high. Israel has largely focused its strikes in southern Lebanon, while expanding operations to other regions in recent weeks.
The United States official said Hezbollah is attempting to disrupt diplomatic negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. Talks are expected to continue in Washington next week, where officials will discuss long-term security arrangements and possible disarmament frameworks.
Lebanon has argued that any discussion of disarming Hezbollah must be tied to broader ceasefire conditions and guarantees of national security. Israel, however, has pushed for stronger enforcement measures, including the relocation of Hezbollah forces north of the Litani River in line with a United Nations resolution.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also blamed Lebanon’s government for failing to control Hezbollah activity in the south. He argued that the Lebanese state has not fully met its international obligations to restrict armed groups operating within its borders.
The Israeli government maintains that its military campaign is focused on protecting civilians and dismantling what it describes as a long-standing militant infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Officials say the strikes will continue as long as threats persist.
Diplomatic efforts are now facing renewed pressure as regional tensions rise alongside broader geopolitical negotiations involving Iran and other actors. Analysts warn that continued escalation could complicate ongoing ceasefire talks and increase the risk of wider regional conflict.
For now, both military action and diplomatic discussions are continuing in parallel, with no clear indication of an immediate de-escalation.
