Israel Intensifies Strikes on Hezbollah as Ceasefire Hopes Fade.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to continue military strikes on Hezbollah with “full force” as tensions escalate between Israel and Lebanon. The ongoing conflict has dampened hopes for a proposed 21-day ceasefire by US and European officials. Despite diplomatic efforts led by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and French President Emmanuel Macron, Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to military action until Hezbollah halts its rocket attacks.

On Thursday, Israel launched a strike in Beirut, killing senior Hezbollah drone commander Mohammed Hussein Surour. The Lebanese health ministry reported two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. In retaliation, Hezbollah fired more than 45 rockets into northern Israel, though most were intercepted or landed in unpopulated areas.

Netanyahu stated at the UN General Assembly, “We will not stop until all our goals are achieved,” focusing on securing the return of northern Israeli residents to their homes. The violence has displaced over 90,000 people in Lebanon this week, adding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, with nearly 700 reported dead due to Israeli strikes.

While US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concern about the potential for full-scale war, he emphasized the possibility of a diplomatic solution. Nonetheless, the conflict shows no signs of abating, as Israel targets Hezbollah’s military infrastructure and the militant group vows to continue its resistance.