WANA (May 31) – As a comprehensive ceasefire across regional fronts—particularly in Lebanon—has emerged as one of Iran’s key conditions in its indirect negotiations with the United States, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to intensify and expand military operations against Lebanon, a move that could further complicate efforts to reduce tensions in the region.

 

In his latest remarks, Netanyahu said he had instructed the Israeli military to broaden the scope of its operations in Lebanon. The announcement comes at a time when contacts and discussions between Israeli and Lebanese officials are reportedly ongoing, while Tehran continues to insist that an end to Israeli military actions on multiple fronts, especially in Lebanon, should be a central component of any potential agreement with Washington.

 

The Israeli prime minister also indicated that military operations in southern Lebanon would continue for the foreseeable future, describing the mission as one that would “take time” to complete. He added that he had directed the military to intensify strikes against Hezbollah positions.

 

Referring to communities in northern Israel, Netanyahu pledged to restore security for residents who have been affected by months of cross-border attacks. Northern Israeli areas have repeatedly come under rocket and drone fire from Hezbollah since the escalation of hostilities along the Lebanon-Israel border.

 

Netanyahu further claimed that Israeli forces had killed around 700 Hezbollah members during the month of May and said the total number of Hezbollah casualties since March had reached approximately 8,000. These figures have not been independently verified.

 

The Israeli leader also pointed to Israel’s military presence at the Beaufort Castle (Qalaat al-Shaqif) area in southern Lebanon, describing it as part of a broader security strategy. According to Netanyahu, Israel is simultaneously operating on several fronts, including Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, where it has established what he described as security buffer zones.

 

The remarks come amid speculation that tensions along the Lebanese front could ease if Iran and the United States make progress toward a broader agreement.

 

However, Netanyahu’s latest directive suggests that Israel is not preparing to scale back its operations in Lebanon. Instead, it appears poised to expand them, potentially creating another major obstacle to diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire across the region.