The Israeli military intensified airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley on Monday, killing at least three people, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to escalate the offensive. The strikes come despite an April ceasefire that has failed to halt near-daily exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Netanyahu said he ordered an even greater acceleration of operations, vowing to intensify blows and increase firepower. The escalation forced residents to flee Hezbollah strongholds in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Israel issued evacuation orders for ten villages, accusing Hezbollah of violating the truce.
Lebanese authorities report over 3,100 killed since March. Far-right Israeli ministers called for an expanded campaign, including destroying buildings in Beirut. Meanwhile, US-brokered negotiations in Washington continue, though Hezbollah remains opposed to direct talks and disarming.