ALBAWABA - Citing what he called "continuous violations of the ceasefire agreement," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to launch more intense attacks on Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu ordered Israeli soldiers to react violently to the suspected breaches, according to a statement from his office, signaling a further escalation along the border.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich made harsh statements at the same time as the military events, threatening Iran with a return to war if it did not accept conditions. In view of regional dangers, he also underlined the need of creating "defensible borders."
worries about the durability of the ceasefire
Israeli officials have expressed fear that the recent agreements made in Washington over the situation in Lebanon may fall apart. Security sources cautioned that the existing arrangements would not last without more diplomatic pressure from the United States on the Lebanese government, characterizing the situation on the ground as very unstable.
Additionally, they called on Washington to push the Lebanese army to act more forcefully against Hezbollah members operating outside of southern Lebanon's authorized security zones.
Continuous conflicts
The escalation comes after ongoing Israeli bombings that have caused serious damage and injuries in southern Lebanon's cities and infrastructure, including places like Bint Jbeil and Khiam.
The events highlight the precariousness of the situation and the possibility of a wider conflict, even if recent U.S.-mediated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon resulted in a temporary truce that has subsequently been extended.
