Israel has stepped up its military operations against Hezbollah amid the breakdown of ongoing attempts to secure a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon.
Airstrikes carried out by Israel hit multiple locations across southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut, with Lebanese officials reporting at least 13 people killed and 15 others injured.
The Israeli military said the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, following renewed rocket fire from the group towards northern Israel. The escalation has heightened concerns that the conflict, which has continued for months despite diplomatic efforts, could intensify further.
A ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States in April has so far failed to halt hostilities, with both Israel and Hezbollah continuing to exchange fire across the border.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its latest action was a direct response to ongoing attacks on northern Israeli communities. Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated that operations would continue across Lebanon, adding that Israel would intensify its campaign against Hezbollah.
Iran has strongly condemned the latest Israeli strikes, warning that any further expansion of military operations in Lebanon could prompt a more forceful response from Tehran, raising fears of a broader regional escalation.
On the ground in Lebanon, emergency responders say civilians are bearing the brunt of the violence, with repeated airstrikes placing severe strain on rescue services and infrastructure. Local rescue teams report near-daily attacks and worsening humanitarian conditions.
The situation was further underscored in Beirut, where funerals were held for Lebanese army personnel killed in an Israeli strike on their vehicle earlier in the week.
As both sides continue military operations and diplomatic efforts stall, concerns are growing that the conflict could widen beyond Lebanon and northern Israel, drawing in additional regional actors.