Israel has conducted a new wave of airstrikes across southern Lebanon, escalating the conflict with Hezbollah despite public criticism from former US President Donald Trump. The strikes, which began early on Tuesday, targeted weapons depots, launch sites, and command centres, according to Israeli military officials. Lebanese security sources reported at least 15 deaths and dozens of injuries, with strikes hitting residential areas in the border towns of Kafr Kila and Al-Khiam.
The operation marks a significant intensification of cross-border hostilities that have simmered since the October 7 attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the action, stating it was necessary to secure northern Israel. “We will not allow Hezbollah to threaten our citizens. Our operations are precise and proportional,” he said in a televised address.
Trump, speaking at a campaign rally in South Carolina, described Israel’s actions as “very dangerous for the Middle East” and urged restraint. “They are playing with fire. This could escalate into something that nobody wants,” he said. The comments mark a rare divergence from Trump’s traditionally hawkish stance on Israel and have drawn sharp rebukes from Netanyahu’s allies.
The United States, through a State Department spokesperson, expressed “deep concern” and called for de-escalation. “We urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid a wider regional conflict,” the spokesperson said. However, no concrete steps were announced to mediate the crisis.
Hezbollah has retaliated with rocket barrages into northern Israel, triggering air raid sirens in several communities. The Israeli military reported intercepting dozens of projectiles, with no major casualties so far. The group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, warned in a televised speech that Israel had “opened the gates of hell” and would face “unimaginable consequences” if attacks continued.
Regional analysts caution that the strikes risk drawing Iran deeper into the conflict. Tehran has provided significant military support to Hezbollah, and any direct confrontation between Israel and Iran could destabilise the entire region. The United Nations Security Council is set to hold an emergency session later this week at the request of Lebanon and Russia.
The conflict has already displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border. Schools and businesses remain shuttered in northern Israel and southern Lebanon as the violence continues.
