Netanyahu says Israel will intensify strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon

What happened

The BBC Middle East Lebanon desk reports that the Israeli military has launched a wave of strikes targeting Hezbollah sites across Lebanon, including the Bekaa Valley in the east, following a statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring that Israel will intensify its offensive against Hezbollah.

The central claim remains unconfirmed in the supplied material and should be treated as hearsay until corroborated by another reliable source or a named official. Netanyahu said Israel was "at war with Hezbollah" and authorized the military to "deal them a crushing blow." Since an April 16 ceasefire, Israeli strikes were primarily limited to southern Lebanon, but the recent attacks represent an expansion into eastern Lebanon near the Syrian border. Israeli officials claim over 600 Hezbollah fighters have been eliminated, though detailed casualty figures remain unconfirmed from independent sources.

The offensive comes amid persistent tensions and fighting, despite a formal 45-day ceasefire extension agreed earlier in May. Lebanon's government continues to pursue Hezbollah disarmament but stresses the need for ceasefire adherence to enable political solutions. Lebanon has also faced heavy casualties in recent months, including paramedics and emergency workers, and mass displacement of civilians following Israeli orders in southern regions.

Known from the source

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will intensify attacks on Hezbollah.
• The Israeli military conducted strikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley and other areas.
• Israel's military campaign against Hezbollah has reportedly eliminated over 600 fighters, according to Netanyahu.
• A 45-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel was agreed earlier in May but has seen sporadic fighting.
• Since the ceasefire, ten Israeli soldiers and over 400 people in Lebanon have reportedly died, including paramedics and emergency workers.

What remains unclear

Regional dynamics further complicate the situation; Iran, a Hezbollah ally, has urged a full ceasefire in negotiations with the US over wider regional conflicts. Meanwhile, Israel rejects calls to end fighting with Hezbollah, reflecting a broader backdrop of escalating hostilities linked to the Iran-Israel confrontation that began in February.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent verification of casualty figures on both Israeli soldier and Lebanese civilian/Hezbollah fighter deaths. Exact targets and geographic scope of the recent Israeli strikes beyond the Bekaa Valley. Details of ongoing ceasefire violations and any Lebanese government statements on the recent escalation.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: BBC Middle East Lebanon. Open the source.