Lebanon is at a potential turning point, but without decisive action by Beirut the cycle of ceasefire, rearmament and war will continue, experts say.
Hezbollah
IDF general: “25 years ago, Hezbollah’s leader stood here and called Israel a cobweb. Today, that man is gone, his compound is gone, and his words are worth nothing.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir say operations will continue at full force, with Israel seeking to deepen battlefield gains and restore long-term security to the north.
Jerusalem’s primary responsibility is to restore security for residents of the north.
The Lebanese Shi’ite terrorist organization is being forced to choose between facing Israel alone and giving up its objectives. Meanwhile, distrust of America is deepening in the Gulf.
Netanyahu says direct negotiations with Lebanon will begin soon, even as Israel makes clear the Iran ceasefire does not shield Hezbollah from further strikes.
The Israeli military says about 100 terror targets hit across Lebanon in coordinated assault planned over weeks.
Troops move against Hezbollah positions, secure key areas, and push further into southern Lebanon.
Nahariya hospital moves underground as Metula residents stand fast despite frequent Hezbollah rocket attacks.
Strikes hit money exchange offices linked to terror financing in Beirut; IDF slays Hajj Yusuf Ismail Hashem, commander of the Shi’ite group’s Southern Front.
