1776Reporting
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday that Israel will continue its relentless strikes on Hezbollah, vowing to hit the Iran-backed militant group “without mercy.” Netanyahu’s statement came just one day after a deadly Hezbollah drone attack on an Israeli base killed four soldiers, sparking further violence between the two sides.
Speaking from the Golani Brigade Training Base, which was struck by the Hezbollah drone, Netanyahu made it clear that Israel’s military response would extend across Lebanon, including the capital city of Beirut. “We will continue to strike Hezbollah without mercy everywhere in Lebanon – including Beirut,” he stated, emphasizing Israel’s resolve.
Rising Toll of the Conflict
Israeli forces have been conducting widespread airstrikes across Lebanon in retaliation for Hezbollah’s attacks. One such strike hit a residential building in northern Lebanon on Monday, leaving at least 21 people dead and eight more injured, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. The house, located in the area of Aito, was reportedly sheltering displaced civilians from southern Lebanon. It was the first time this northern region had been targeted in the conflict.
Lebanese lawmaker Michel Moawad, who visited the site of the attack, said that a Hezbollah member was allegedly the intended target. The airstrike’s devastating toll on civilians has raised concerns about the escalating violence and the growing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.
Hezbollah Threatens Retaliation
In response to Israel’s aggressive military campaign, Hezbollah has issued its own warning. The Shiite militant group, which has been exchanging cross-border fire with Israel on a near-daily basis for the past year, threatened more attacks if Israel does not cease its operations in Lebanon.
Despite the mounting casualties on both sides, Netanyahu remained resolute. Addressing Israeli soldiers on the ground, he acknowledged the heavy price Israel has paid but praised the military’s achievements, saying, “We are paying a painful price but we have considerable achievements which we will continue to make.”
Ground Troops and Underground Discoveries
The conflict has not been confined to airstrikes alone. Israeli ground troops have been carrying out raids into southern Lebanon over the past two weeks. During one of these operations, Israeli forces discovered an underground Hezbollah compound, which they claim served as a command center for the group’s elite Radwan force.
The underground facility, located beneath a civilian area, was reportedly equipped with weapons, ammunition, and motorcycles. According to the Israeli military, this network allowed Radwan troops to quickly prepare and infiltrate Israeli territory either on foot or by motorbike. A video released by the Israeli army showed the complex’s living quarters, including bedrooms, a kitchen, and other facilities, underscoring Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
The Israeli military reported that during their raid, troops encountered a Hezbollah fighter who had barricaded himself inside the compound. The fighter, believed to be a member of the Radwan force, was killed in the confrontation.
Shifting Focus to Beirut
What has made this round of conflict particularly notable is the shift in Israel’s strategy, with Netanyahu explicitly mentioning Beirut as a target. Israeli airstrikes had previously avoided the Lebanese capital, reportedly at the urging of the U.S. government. However, Netanyahu’s comments signal a willingness to expand the scope of Israel’s offensive, potentially escalating the conflict further.
For several days leading up to Netanyahu’s statement, Israeli airstrikes had been concentrated outside Beirut. However, with Netanyahu’s declaration, the possibility of more strikes on Lebanon’s capital now looms, raising fears of a deeper and more destructive conflict.
Ongoing Conflict and Regional Impact
As Israel and Hezbollah continue to exchange fire, the toll on civilians and the potential for wider regional instability grows. Israel’s military is pressing its offensive, while Hezbollah has shown no signs of backing down, despite the losses it has suffered. The situation remains fluid, with both sides locked in a dangerous cycle of violence.
With Netanyahu’s vow to strike Hezbollah “without mercy” and the threat of further retaliation from Hezbollah, the conflict shows no sign of abating. As tensions mount, civilians in both Lebanon and Israel are caught in the crossfire, facing the devastating consequences of a conflict that continues to spiral out of control.
The coming days will be critical in determining whether the violence will escalate further or if there is any possibility of de-escalation in one of the most volatile regions of the world.
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