Israel has intensified its military campaign in southern Lebanon, launching a series of airstrikes and escalating a cross-border conflict with Hezbollah despite a fragile ceasefire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a deliberate acceleration of operations, vowing to 'crush' the Iran-backed group after repeated drone attacks on Israeli military positions. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for multiple strikes on Israeli barracks and a military post in northern Israel, describing them as retaliation for ceasefire violations.

The fighting, which erupted in early March, has continued almost daily since the April 17 ceasefire took effect. Israeli strikes have targeted towns in the Bekaa Valley and near Tyre, killing at least three people in early morning attacks. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported over 3,100 fatalities in the country since hostilities began. On the Israeli side, 23 soldiers and one civilian contractor have been killed.

The conflict unfolds amid stalled US-Iran negotiations, with Tehran citing inconsistent US positions and Israeli actions as obstacles to a broader agreement. Meanwhile, two far-right Israeli ministers have called for expanding the military campaign, increasing pressure on Netanyahu to take more aggressive action.