In a significant escalation of tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced in a joint statement on Monday that they have ordered the military to carry out strikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
The decision comes amid reported repeated violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon by Hezbollah. According to the official statement, these violations include a series of rocket and drone attacks specifically targeting cities in northern Israel.
Reports from Israel's Channel 12 News indicate that this strategic shift follows approval from the United States, which granted Israel's requests to expand its military operations. While initial efforts were focused on southern Lebanon, the scope of activity has now been broadened to include airstrikes within the capital city.
The military response follows a deadly encounter on Monday in the village of Yohmor, where an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah killed an Israeli soldier from an elite commando unit. Three other soldiers were wounded in the attack, with one reported to be in serious condition.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that throughout Monday morning, Hezbollah continued to launch rockets and drones toward northern Israel. While some of these projectiles were successfully intercepted, others landed in open areas, resulting in no further casualties.
Additionally, the Israeli military confirmed the destruction of a rocket launcher used by Hezbollah during a Sunday night attack targeting Tiberias, a city in northeastern Israel. No injuries were reported from the Tiberias incident.
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Netanyahu orders military to strike Beirut's southern suburbs
cgtn.com
