Israeli forces strike Lebanon as Netanyahu vows to intensify attacks

Israeli airstrikes hit Lebanon on May 25, with over 85 munitions striking more than 70 sites, including 10 Hezbollah headquarters and weapons storage facilities in Tyre, as well as infrastructure used by the Iran-backed militia. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) claimed it eliminated motorcycle-riding Hezbollah operatives in southern Lebanon, where ground forces were active. Earlier, the IDF targeted areas in the northeastern Beqaa Valley, though details on its connection to the broader operation remained unclear. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced intensified strikes in a video statement, citing Hezbollah’s recent use of fiber-optic drones to attack northern Israel. He emphasized Israel’s commitment to escalating pressure, stating, 'We are at war. We are not taking our foot off the gas — on the contrary. I said to press the gas in Lebanon. We will strike them.' The military campaign follows U.S.-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon, the first in decades, aimed at de-escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The strikes risk further destabilizing negotiations, which have already faced challenges since the conflict resumed in March after a brief pause. Israel launched ground operations in early March, and while a cease-fire was announced in April amid broader regional tensions, both sides disputed its applicability to Lebanon. Hezbollah’s initial attacks on Israel began on October 8, 2023, one day after the Israel-Hamas war erupted. A fragile cease-fire, brokered 13 months later, was never fully respected. In mid-April, Israel and Lebanon held diplomatic talks for the first time since 1993, but the recent escalation threatens to derail any progress. The IDF has also tightened restrictions in northern Israel, limiting outdoor gatherings to 50 people and indoor gatherings to 200, amid fears of Hezbollah retaliation.