In a sharp escalation of hostilities, Israeli forces launched an intense series of strikes across southern and eastern Lebanon on Tuesday, resulting in dozens of deaths, according to Lebanese authorities. The offensive followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge to intensify military pressure on Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported at least 31 people killed in the latest wave of attacks, including several children. The Israeli military stated that it targeted over 100 Hezbollah infrastructure sites and fighters, describing it as one of the heaviest bombardments since a US-brokered ceasefire took effect in mid-April.
Netanyahu told a security cabinet meeting that Israel was “deepening our operation in Lebanon,” with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) deploying large ground forces to secure dominant positions and fortify a security zone aimed at protecting northern Israeli communities from Hezbollah attacks.
The fragile truce, established on 17 April, has faced repeated violations from both sides. While Israeli air and artillery strikes have persisted daily in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah has continued launching rockets and drones toward northern Israel and Israeli positions in the south.
Strikes hit areas including the Bekaa Valley village of Mashghara and Burj al-Shamali in southern Lebanon. Some attacks occurred near Beaufort Castle, a historic UNESCO-recognised fortress. In Mashghara, rescue teams pulled bodies from rubble, including a woman and two children, with 15 others injured.
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Among the survivors was seven-year-old Mohammed, who was rescued after his home was struck. The boy lost his father and two sisters in the attack. Speaking from his hospital bed, he described waking up trapped in darkness before rescuers reached him.
The Israeli military released footage claiming strikes destroyed Hezbollah infrastructure and eliminated terrorists in Mashghara. It also reported hitting over 90 weapons storage facilities, command centres, and other sites overnight.
On Tuesday morning, the IDF issued new evacuation orders, accusing Hezbollah of ceasefire breaches. Hezbollah responded by targeting Israeli barracks and a military post.
Netanyahu’s vow to deliver a “crushing blow” to Hezbollah, citing the group’s use of advanced drones, triggered panic and mass evacuations from Beirut’s southern suburbs. The BBC documented dozens of strikes across nearly 50 locations that evening.
This escalation threatens ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the US, Israel, and Iran to stabilise the region. Since the conflict intensified in early March, Lebanese authorities say Israeli strikes have killed at least 3,185 people, while Israel reports 23 soldiers and one civilian contractor lost to Hezbollah actions.