Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered military strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, intensifying the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah and raising fears of wider regional escalation.
According to an official statement, Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz directed the Israeli military to target what they described as “terrorist infrastructure” in Beirut’s Dahiyeh area. The decision came after renewed hostilities and alleged violations of ceasefire understandings by Hezbollah, including attacks on Israeli territory.
The strikes mark a significant escalation, as the Dahiyeh district has previously been a major target during earlier phases of the conflict. While large-scale strikes had reduced following a ceasefire announcement in April, recent clashes in southern Lebanon have reignited tensions.
In parallel, Israel has expanded ground operations in southern Lebanon, with reports of troops capturing strategic locations, including historic sites such as Beaufort Castle. Israeli officials say these operations aim to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure and strengthen security along the northern border.
Lebanese authorities report thousands of casualties since the escalation began, along with large-scale displacement of civilians. Israel, meanwhile, has also reported military and civilian casualties during the conflict.
The situation has drawn international concern, with France calling for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting to address the rising violence. Diplomatic efforts led by the United States have attempted to broker a phased de-escalation between Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah, but progress appears to be stalling amid renewed attacks.
Iranian officials have also stated that Israeli actions in Lebanon are complicating diplomatic efforts related to broader regional tensions involving the US and Iran. Hezbollah, on the other hand, has continued cross-border attacks, claiming strikes on Israeli military targets.
With both sides escalating military actions and diplomatic channels under strain, the conflict in Lebanon is showing signs of further intensification.
