Netanyahu Orders Strikes on Dozens of Targets in Lebanon Amid Rising Tensions

By Kardo Roj

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered military strikes on what he described as “dozens of terrorist targets” in Lebanon on Saturday, escalating cross-border hostilities amid a fragile ceasefire.

Israeli warplanes entered Lebanese airspace and carried out airstrikes on multiple locations in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese and regional media reports. The strikes targeted areas in the Iqlim al-Tuffah highlands and the Jabal al-Rihan region, both known for their strategic and military significance.

The escalation follows an earlier announcement by the Israeli military that it intercepted three rockets launched from Lebanon. Despite a recent reduction in hostilities under a tentative ceasefire, the incident reignited tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant placed direct responsibility on the Lebanese government, stating, “Lebanon is accountable for attacks originating from its territory.” The remarks reflect Israel’s long-standing policy of holding Beirut responsible for cross-border rocket fire, particularly when linked to Hezbollah or allied factions.

The latest military escalation comes amid broader concerns over the potential for a wider conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which has engaged in periodic exchanges of fire with Israeli forces in recent months. The Lebanese group, a key actor in the region’s geopolitical landscape, has maintained a presence in southern Lebanon despite international calls for de-escalation.

The United Nations and other international actors have urged restraint, warning that continued hostilities could destabilize Lebanon, which is already grappling with economic and political crises. However, with each new round of cross-border strikes, fears of a broader confrontation continue to grow.