Israel intensifies operations in Lebanon amid troop mobilization and airstrikes

Israel is intensifying its operations in Lebanon and mobilizing additional troops for that purpose, despite a ceasefire that has remained in effect for several weeks.

According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, the military has begun mobilizing its soldiers in preparation for expanding operations in Lebanon, following a wave of intensive strikes carried out on Lebanese territory.

On Tuesday, the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning for the city of Nabatieh in southern Lebanon ahead of strikes it said were targeting Hezbollah in the area.

The Israeli military spokesperson wrote in Arabic on the X platform, addressing the residents of Nabatieh: “You must immediately evacuate your homes and move north of the Zahrani River.”

On Monday, Israel intensified its strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon, targeting several areas including the coastal city of Tyre, Nabatieh, and other towns that had received evacuation warnings. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Tel Aviv would “intensify” its military operations in Lebanon with the aim of “crushing” Hezbollah, despite the ongoing ceasefire.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israeli aircraft carried out consecutive strikes in eastern Lebanon on Monday evening. It stated that “eight strikes on Machghara in the western Bekaa formed a ring of fire around the town.”

According to Israeli reports, discussions have taken place in recent days regarding the possibility of expanding the operation in Lebanon. Israel and the United States reportedly held talks on the matter, although Washington remains hesitant.

Israeli military officials reportedly pushed for broadening the operation in Lebanon, while Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly told the prime minister and members of the security cabinet: “Buildings in Beirut’s southern suburb must be demolished,” according to the reports.

This escalation comes as the United States and Iran are working toward an understanding aimed at ending the war in the Middle East, despite ongoing disagreements, particularly regarding Lebanon. Tehran believes any agreement should include all fronts, a position rejected by Israel.

Despite the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that has been in effect since April 17, Israel has continued launching strikes that it says target the group and its infrastructure, while its forces continue occupying villages in southern Lebanon and carrying out demolition and destruction operations against homes and buildings. Hezbollah, for its part, announces daily attacks against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.

The Israeli military announced on Monday that it had struck more than 70 infrastructures it claimed belonged to Hezbollah and carried out more than 85 air raids across several regions of Lebanon.