Israel Warns of Intensifying Strikes on Hezbollah in Southern Lebanon Amid Disarmament Delays

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that Israel will escalate military strikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, accusing the Lebanese government and President Joseph Aoun of failing to disarm the Iranian-backed faction as required by a ceasefire mediated by Washington nearly a year ago. The ceasefire calls for Hezbollah's removal from areas near the Israeli border and disarmament, but recent Israeli airstrikes have killed several people in southern Lebanon, raising fears of renewed conflict. Katz criticized Lebanon's leadership for inaction and emphasized that Israel will intensify operations to protect its northern residents. Lebanese President Aoun condemned Israel's intensified airstrikes, accusing Israel of escalating tensions despite Lebanon's readiness to negotiate an end to the Israeli occupation. The situation remains volatile with frequent exchanges of fire along the border, and UN reports indicate that Israeli forces have killed over 100 civilians in Lebanon since the ceasefire began. The conflict underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and ongoing regional tensions involving Hezbollah and Israel.