Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to intensify their operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. This directive comes despite international calls for a ceasefire. The conflict has led to significant casualties and displacement, with over 700 people killed and thousands injured in Lebanon alone. More than 200,000 individuals have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in neighboring Syria and other regions.
The IDF has targeted key Hezbollah infrastructure, including the group's headquarters in Beirut and various positions along the Lebanon-Syria border. In response, Hezbollah has launched rocket attacks into northern Israel, exacerbating the conflict. Israeli airstrikes have also resulted in civilian casualties, including the deaths of 23 Syrian refugees in eastern Beirut.
Netanyahu has justified the military actions by stating that Israel is not at war with Lebanon but with Hezbollah, accusing the militant group of using civilian areas as shields. He has also criticized the United Nations for its stance on the conflict, labeling it as biased. The Israeli leader has reiterated his commitment to continue military operations until all objectives are achieved, dismissing a proposed 21-day ceasefire by the US, UK, and EU.
The ongoing violence has drawn widespread condemnation and calls for restraint from various international leaders, including Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and French President Emmanuel Macron. However, Israel maintains that its actions are necessary to ensure long-term security and stability in the region. As both sides continue their attacks, the prospect of an immediate resolution appears bleak.
