Israeli Army Intensifies Strikes in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli army intensified its strikes in southern Lebanon on Monday. This comes as two far-right Israeli ministers have called for escalation, including potential attacks on Beirut.
These airstrikes occur amid negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to finalize an agreement aimed at ending the Middle East conflict, potentially involving the Lebanon front where Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged since March 2.
Despite a ceasefire that took effect April 17, both sides continue to exchange fire daily.
Dozens of Israeli strikes hit several towns and villages in southern Lebanon early Monday morning. According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), three people were killed – two in cars and on motorcycles, one in another vehicle.
Israeli forces also targeted several towns near the ancient city of Tyre later that day. Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Colonel Avichay Adraee stated this was due to Hezbollah breaching the ceasefire agreement.
Hezbollah, an Iran-backed movement, has frequently launched drone attacks against Israeli forces inside Lebanon and across the border. On Monday, they conducted several such strikes.
Since early March, over 3,100 people have been killed in Israeli strikes according to Lebanese authorities. Additionally, a soldier was killed on Sunday, bringing total fatalities since hostilities began with Hezbollah to 23 soldiers and one civilian contractor.
Two far-right ministers have called for expanding Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich wants every explosive drone strike to result in ten buildings falling in Beirut. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir calls for “intensive warfare” and control over the Zahrani River.
Despite these tensions, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held talks with Israel on Monday. He reiterated his demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon as non-negotiable.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem’s remarks, accusing him of wanting to overthrow the Lebanese government and plunge the country into chaos. In response, Hezbollah MP Ali Ammar called on the US administration to stop interfering in Lebanese affairs.