Netanyahu Orders Intensified Military Strikes Against Hezbollah in Lebanon

May 25, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered intensified military strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, following demands from far-right ministers for a full-scale offensive. The escalation, which breaches a fragile ceasefire, comes after a deadly Hezbollah drone attack and amid US-Iran peace talks. The conflict has killed over 3,100 people in Lebanon and displaced more than one million.

Netanyahu intensifies Hezbollah strikes

▪Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the military to intensify strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon on May 25, 2026.
▪Hezbollah retaliated by carrying out 22 drone and rocket attacks on Israeli targets, including soldiers, tanks, and barracks.
▪In a video statement, Benjamin Netanyahu said he told the military to "deal them a crushing blow" and "increase the intensity" of strikes.
▪Following the order, the Israeli military launched strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure in the Bekaa Valley and other areas of Lebanon.

Far-right ministers demand Lebanon offensive

▪The order to escalate followed demands from far-right ministers in Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition for a full-scale offensive in Lebanon.
▪National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for a return to "high-intensity warfare" and for Israel to conquer land up to the Zahrani River.
▪Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanded that "for every explosive drone, 10 buildings must fall in Beirut."

Fragile Lebanon ceasefire violations

▪Since the April 16 ceasefire, Israeli attacks have killed more than 400 people in Lebanon, including paramedics and emergency workers.
▪An Israeli soldier was killed by a Hezbollah drone strike in southern Lebanon on May 25, 2026.
▪Ten Israeli soldiers have been killed since the ceasefire was agreed on April 16.
▪A ceasefire nominally in place since April 16 has been frequently violated, with both Israel and Hezbollah continuing to trade fire.

US-Iran deal negotiations

▪The escalation occurs amid negotiations between the US and Iran for a broader deal to end the regional war that began in February.
▪US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Israel has "every right to respond" to Hezbollah attacks, even during a ceasefire.
▪Iran insists that any peace agreement must include a ceasefire in Lebanon, calling it a "non-negotiable principle."

Lebanon conflict casualties

▪Since March 2, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed 3,185 people, according to Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health.
▪Hezbollah's attacks have killed more than 25 Israeli soldiers and civilians during the same period.
▪Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel's military offensive has "eliminated... over 600 terrorists."

Israeli occupation security zone

▪The escalation announcement on May 25 coincided with Lebanon's Liberation Day, which commemorates the 2000 end of an 18-year Israeli occupation.
▪The current round of fighting began after the US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, and Hezbollah retaliated for an Israeli strike.
▪Israel occupies a swath of Lebanese territory it has declared a "security zone," where its troops remain.