Israel has threatened to intensify its military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, accusing the Lebanese government of failing to disarm the Iran-backed group despite a ceasefire agreement reached in late 2024. The warning came a day after an Israeli airstrike in Nabatieh killed four people, including a member of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Katz stated that “Hezbollah is playing with fire,” and warned that any threat to northern Israel would be met with maximum force.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry confirmed the casualties, while President Joseph Aoun ordered the army to resist Israeli incursions. Israeli officials claim Hezbollah is rebuilding its arsenal, smuggling hundreds of short-range missiles from Syria. Israel warned Beirut that if Hezbollah is not disarmed, southern suburbs of the capital could face renewed bombing.
Although Hezbollah suffered heavy losses during last year’s conflict, the group continues to operate militarily and financially. The U.S. has urged Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, but the group and its allies strongly oppose such measures. Despite the truce, Israeli air and ground strikes have continued, heightening tensions along the border and raising fears of another full-scale war in the region.