Israel has announced new strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs amid growing tensions with Hezbollah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered attacks on Hezbollah targets in the southern suburbs of Beirut, saying the move is a response to attacks on Israeli civilians and alleged violations of a US-brokered ceasefire agreed in April.
The latest escalation comes as fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed group continues despite diplomatic efforts to restore calm. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has reportedly proposed steps aimed at reducing hostilities, including pressure on Hezbollah to halt attacks in exchange for Israeli restraint in Beirut.
The situation has worsened following Israel’s capture of the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, a strategic site overlooking the Litani Valley.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the campaign against Hezbollah would continue, while Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam accused Israel of carrying out collective punishment.
With casualties mounting on both sides and mediation efforts ongoing, concerns are growing over the risk of a wider regional conflict.