The Israeli military has launched a major new phase of operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, significantly escalating the conflict despite ongoing international efforts to maintain a ceasefire in the region. Israeli forces have carried out large-scale airstrikes and expanded ground operations targeting what the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) describe as Hezbollah military infrastructure, command centers, weapons storage sites and observation posts.
According to the IDF, more than 100 Hezbollah-linked targets were struck across southern Lebanon and the eastern Bekaa Valley in recent days. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military was operating with “large forces” and was capturing and controlling strategic areas to strengthen security along Israel’s northern border.
In one of the most significant developments, Israeli troops reportedly captured the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon after days of fighting. The operation marks Israel’s deepest military incursion into Lebanese territory in more than two decades and signals a major expansion of its campaign against Hezbollah.
Israeli officials say the offensive is aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s military capabilities, particularly its drone and rocket-launching infrastructure. The government argues that Hezbollah continues to pose a threat to northern Israeli communities through cross-border attacks, including rocket fire and explosive drone operations.
Hezbollah, meanwhile, has continued launching rockets and drones toward northern Israel, saying its actions are a response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon and the wider regional conflict involving Iran. The fighting has intensified despite a US-brokered ceasefire agreement announced in April, which has struggled to hold amid repeated violations and renewed military operations.
The renewed offensive has resulted in heavy casualties and displacement across Lebanon. Reports indicate that hundreds of people have been killed in recent weeks, while more than one million residents have been displaced since the latest phase of the conflict began. Lebanese officials have accused Israel of escalating the situation and causing widespread destruction in civilian areas.
The escalation comes as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes. Direct talks involving Israel and Lebanon are expected in Washington in the coming days, with international mediators attempting to prevent the conflict from expanding further across the Middle East.
With both sides continuing military operations and exchanging attacks, concerns are growing that the conflict could enter a more dangerous and prolonged phase despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
