Netanyahu Orders Escalated Attacks on Hezbollah-Controlled Beirut Suburbs
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered renewed attacks on Hezbollah-controlled areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that complicates efforts to mediate the US-Iran standoff. This directive was issued on Monday, intensifying hostilities that have already displaced over 1 million people in Lebanon.
Ceasefire at Risk Amid Renewed Violence
Iranian state television reported that a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States is likely to collapse if Israeli strikes continue in Lebanon. The conflict has escalated since Hezbollah entered the fray on March 2, aligning with Tehran against Israeli and US forces.
In response to Netanyahu’s order, residents began evacuating the Dahiyeh area of Beirut, which has been a focal point of violence. Since US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire on April 16, Israeli forces have conducted only two strikes in this area, despite ongoing clashes in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu stated, “There will be no situation in which Hezbollah attacks our cities and our citizens, and its terrorist headquarters in Beirut, in Dahiyeh, will remain out of bounds.” He emphasized that Israel is deepening its military presence in Lebanon, establishing a self-declared security zone aimed at protecting northern Israel from Hezbollah’s attacks.
The Israeli military has warned that it will target southern suburbs if Hezbollah continues to launch rockets into Israeli territory, advising residents to evacuate.
Hezbollah’s Counterattacks
Hezbollah, established by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982, has responded aggressively. The group reported launching a missile strike targeting military infrastructure in Tiberias, Israel, at 1:00 AM on Monday, among other attacks it claims were in retaliation for Israeli ceasefire violations. On Sunday, Hezbollah also targeted military sites in Nahariya.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz remarked that there would be no “calm” in Beirut if northern Israel remained under threat. Lebanese authorities have reported over 3,400 fatalities in Lebanon due to Israeli attacks since the conflict reignited on March 2, while Israel has confirmed the deaths of 24 soldiers and four civilians during the same period.
Hostilities escalated further over the weekend, with Israeli troops capturing the historic Beaufort Castle, a strategic location overlooking the border zone.
Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing violence has forced many residents to flee multiple times. Naji Musulmani, 61, described his experience, stating, “This is the third time since the ceasefire that we’re going from place to place,” as he transported mattresses through congested streets away from the southern suburbs. He plans to relocate to Tripoli in northern Lebanon.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson indicated that Israeli actions in Lebanon are hindering diplomatic efforts to resolve the US-Iran conflict, reiterating that a ceasefire in Lebanon is essential for any agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that the ceasefire established between Iran and the United States since April applies to all fronts, including Lebanon. He stated, “Violation on one front is a violation of the ceasefire on all fronts. The U.S. and Israel are responsible for the consequences of any violation.”
Diplomatic Efforts for De-Escalation
Despite ongoing violence, diplomatic discussions have taken place between Lebanese and Israeli officials, facilitated by Washington. A US official reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged with both Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Netanyahu regarding potential negotiations. Rubio proposed a plan for “gradual de-escalation,” suggesting that Hezbollah cease all attacks on Israel in exchange for Israel refraining from further escalation in Beirut.
Aoun attempted to advance this proposal, but Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, indicated that the responsibility lies with Israel to halt its aggression. Berri asserted that he could guarantee Hezbollah’s commitment to a ceasefire but questioned who would compel Israel to cease its operations.
A senior Lebanese source noted that the US proposal involved halting Hezbollah’s attacks on northern Israel in return for sparing Beirut and its suburbs from additional strikes, as a step towards achieving a comprehensive ceasefire. However, Berri expressed a preference for a full and comprehensive ceasefire rather than a piecemeal approach.
For further details, visit the source: www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-06-01 15:29:00 • By the Editorial Desk
