Israeli forces have intensified attacks in southern Lebanon following orders from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused Hezbollah of undermining ongoing ceasefire efforts.
At least seven people were killed and 24 wounded, including three children, in recent strikes reported by Lebanon’s National News Agency and Health Ministry.
The escalation comes despite a temporary truce that had been extended by three weeks, signaling growing instability along the border.
Netanyahu said Hezbollah’s actions were “dismantling” the ceasefire, asserting that continued rocket fire justified deeper Israeli military responses inside Lebanon.
Israel has maintained that it reserves the right to conduct what it describes as defensive operations, including targeting areas it identifies as Hezbollah positions.
Hezbollah rejected these accusations, describing them as “meaningless” and blaming Israel for repeated violations of the agreement through continued strikes and territorial operations.
The group stated that its actions are defensive responses to what it calls persistent Israeli aggression since the truce began.
The Israeli military has also dropped leaflets over the Tyre District, warning residents to avoid movement south of designated zones, including near the Litani River.
These warnings suggest further planned strikes on locations Israel identifies as Hezbollah sites, raising concerns among civilians in affected areas.
Hezbollah, in a statement, warned against attempts to link Lebanese authorities to what it described as a bilateral agreement between Washington and Netanyahu.
The group said continued attacks on Israeli forces and settlements are a “legitimate response” to ceasefire violations.
Despite the truce, both sides have continued exchanging fire, with neither halting military operations.
Recent developments indicate a trajectory toward further escalation rather than de-escalation, as strikes extend deeper and tensions remain unresolved.