Israeli forces intensified airstrikes across southern and eastern Lebanon, including the Bekaa valley, after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an escalation aimed at crushing Hezbollah. The renewed offensive comes despite a ceasefire that took effect on April 17, with both sides continuing near-daily exchanges of fire. Residents were seen fleeing parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs following the announcement.

Lebanese state media reported dozens of strikes on towns and villages in the south, with at least three people killed in vehicles targeted by the attacks. Israel said the escalation followed Hezbollah violations of the truce, including drone launches. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for attacks on Israeli military positions, describing them as responses to Israeli breaches.

The conflict has killed more than 3,100 people in Lebanon since early March, according to Lebanese authorities, while Israel has reported 23 soldiers and one civilian contractor killed. Far-right Israeli ministers called for an expanded campaign, as diplomatic efforts continued ahead of planned talks in Washington. Lebanon’s president insisted that a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon remains non-negotiable, while Hezbollah’s leader rejected direct negotiations and disarmament.