Israel’s military launched a new wave of airstrikes across Lebanon late Monday, targeting positions linked to Hezbollah as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israeli operations against the Iran-backed group would intensify.
The strikes included attacks in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley and southern regions, signaling a further escalation in cross-border tensions despite an existing U.S.-brokered ceasefire.
Israel Responds to Hezbollah Drone Attacks
Netanyahu’s comments came after Hezbollah reportedly increased its use of fiber optic drones against Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
The Israeli leader said specialized teams were working to counter the new drone threat and pledged stronger military action against Hezbollah.
According to Israeli officials, the militant group has recently adopted advanced drone tactics similar to those used during the conflict in Ukraine, increasing concerns within Israel’s defense establishment.
Airstrikes Trigger Fear in Beirut Suburbs
Following Netanyahu’s remarks, residents in parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs — areas known for strong Hezbollah influence — reportedly began leaving their homes amid fears of wider Israeli attacks.
Lebanese state media reported multiple Israeli airstrikes in the town of Mashghara in the Bekaa region late Monday night.
Earlier in the day, strikes in southern Lebanon reportedly killed several people and injured others. Lebanese authorities said drone attacks and air raids targeted roads and populated areas in villages including Kfar Rumman.
The Israeli military stated that more than 70 Hezbollah-related infrastructure sites were hit throughout the day.
Hezbollah Claims Multiple Attacks on Israeli Forces
Hezbollah announced that it carried out several attacks against Israeli troops, including drone operations targeting military positions near Misgav Am in northern Israel.
Daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters have continued even after the ceasefire agreement reached in April.
The ongoing violence has increased fears of a broader regional conflict involving Israel, Lebanon, and Iran-backed militant groups across the Middle East.
Ceasefire Under Pressure Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Despite the escalation, diplomatic efforts between Lebanon and Israel are still underway.
Last month, officials from both countries held rare direct talks in Washington — the first such discussions in decades — aimed at stabilizing the border situation and maintaining the ceasefire.
Further meetings between Lebanese and Israeli military representatives are expected later this week at the Pentagon, where discussions are likely to focus on ceasefire enforcement and international pressure to disarm Hezbollah.
The United States and Israel continue to push for limits on Hezbollah’s military capabilities, while tensions linked to the wider Iran conflict remain high across the region.
Rising Casualties Deepen Regional Crisis
The latest confrontation began after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel in March following U.S. and Israeli operations targeting Iran.
Since then, thousands of people have reportedly been killed in Lebanon, according to Lebanese health officials, while Israeli military personnel and civilians have also died in attacks near the northern border.
The intensifying clashes have displaced civilians on both sides of the border and raised international concern about the possibility of a larger regional war.
Analysts warn that continued drone attacks, retaliatory airstrikes, and instability in southern Lebanon could further weaken the fragile ceasefire and complicate ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
