Israel has escalated its military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, expanding both strikes and ground operations. This comes as Lebanon attempts to engage in direct talks with Israel to secure a ceasefire and discuss the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, as well as the disarmament of Hezbollah. Lebanese officials are hoping for a new ceasefire deal from the two-day negotiations, which would also address the thorny issue of Hezbollah's disarmament. However, Hezbollah, which is not part of these talks, has vocally opposed Lebanon's direct negotiations with Israel, with some supporters protesting outside the Lebanese prime minister's office, viewing the talks as a surrender.
The renewed Israeli offensive, which includes warnings to Lebanese civilians to evacuate Beirut's southern suburbs and a broad swathe of the south, is aimed at "removing the threat" posed by Hezbollah. A source familiar with Israel's military strategy indicates that these attacks are likely to persist even after the joint air war with the U.S. against Iran concludes, suggesting the two conflicts are unconnected. Israel's stated objective is to "end Hezbollah once and for all," according to Lebanese security officials.
Despite a prior U.S.-brokered ceasefire in April, which was extended, Israel and Hezbollah have continued to exchange fire across the border. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, has expressed Israel's ambition for "full peace" with Lebanon, including borders, embassies, and tourism, even while Lebanese officials maintain that diplomatic normalization is not currently on the table.
