Israel has expanded its military campaign in southern Lebanon, intensifying operations despite a ceasefire that went into effect on April 17. The Israeli military struck more than 100 Hezbollah sites across southern Lebanon and the eastern Bekaa Valley, targeting observation points, command centers, and storage facilities. Lebanon's health ministry reported that Tuesday's strikes killed at least 31 people, including four children and three women, and wounded 40 others. Since March 2, Israeli attacks have killed 3,213 people and injured 9,737.
The military has issued sweeping evacuation orders for two southern cities and various other towns and villages, instructing residents south of the Zahrani River to relocate. These warnings, the first of their kind since the April ceasefire, signal imminent airstrikes and the movement of ground forces further into the country. In response to these incursions, Hezbollah reported confronting Israeli troops entering the southern town of Zawtar al-Sharqiyah.
This escalation occurs as Israel faces pressure from Washington to avoid attacking Beirut, where the bulk of Hezbollah's military capabilities are located. While the U.S. and Iran appear to be pursuing diplomacy and an interim peace deal, the regional truce remains fragile. Tehran recently accused Washington of breaching their ceasefire following overnight US strikes and warned it was ready to retaliate. Amidst these developments, few in Lebanon believe that diplomatic efforts will bring peace to their country.