Netanyahu Orders Escalation in Lebanon, Vows to “Crush” Hezbollah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to intensify its offensive in Lebanon, declaring that operations will continue until Hezbollah is decisively defeated.
In remarks issued amid rising cross-border tensions, Netanyahu said Israel would act with increased force to “crush” Hezbollah, following a series of attacks and retaliatory exchanges along the Israel–Lebanon frontier.
Israeli officials indicated that the escalation includes expanded airstrikes and broader targeting of Hezbollah positions, particularly in southern Lebanon, where the Iran-backed group maintains a strong presence.
The directive comes as hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified in recent weeks, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Hezbollah has continued launching rockets and drones into northern Israel, while Israeli forces have responded with sustained strikes on militant infrastructure.
Analysts warn that a deeper offensive could significantly destabilize Lebanon, which is already facing economic crisis and political fragility, while also increasing the risk of drawing in other regional actors.
International calls for restraint have grown louder, with diplomats urging both sides to avoid a full-scale war that could have far-reaching consequences across the Middle East.
