Benjamin Netanyahu Announces Israel Intensifies Attacks Against Hezbollah: 'A Crushing Blow'
Benjamin Netanyahu announces the intensification of military operations against Hezbollah, while the Israeli army confirms a new series of attacks on Lebanese territory, including in the east of the country, in the Bekaa Valley.
Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about the Israeli offensive. PHOTO Profimedia
The Israel Defense Forces reported striking Hezbollah targets in several regions of Lebanon after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was“at war with Hezbollah” etcand that the army must give to the group “a crushing blow,” apt BBC
Hezbollah responded with 22 drone and rocket attacks targeting Israeli soldiers, tanks, barracks and other military buildings.
The group says it is acting in response to what it calls Israel's “violation of the ceasefire”.
Netanyahu: “We must step up the attacks”
In a video message broadcast late Monday, Netanyahu said the Israeli offensive had eliminated “over 600 Hezbollah terrorists”, but that the situation demandsis “increasing the intensity of operations”.
Two far-right Israeli ministers, Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, even called for the campaign to be extended to Beirut.
Fragile truce, negotiations in preparation
Although Lebanon and Israel recently extended a 45-day truce, the clashes have not completely stopped. Israeli attacks have been concentrated in recent weeks in southern Lebanon, from where Israel says drones and rockets have been launched.
But Monday's strikes targeted the Bekaa Valley, a strategic area in eastern Lebanon, located near the border with Syria.
Representatives of the two countries – which do not have diplomatic relations – are due to attend negotiations in Washington next week. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun calls for the complete withdrawal of Israel from southern Lebanon.
