Israel Warns of Increased Offensive Military Action Against Lebanon

In a development that underscores escalating tensions along the Israel–Lebanon frontier, Israeli officials on Sunday warned that military operations could be intensified in southern Lebanon if the Lebanese government fails to enforce a ceasefire agreement — particularly the disarmament of militias such as Hezbollah

Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israel “will not allow a threat to the residents of the north” to persist, reaffirming that unless Beirut fully implements the terms of the U.S.-brokered 2024 truce, including disarming armed groups in the south, Israel may take stronger measures. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed that posture, declaring readiness to act if Lebanon does not meet its obligations The warnings follow recent Israeli airstrikes that have struck both militants and civilians near the border, prompting condemnation from Lebanese authorities, who view the attacks as risking a broader conflict. Israel has defended its actions by claiming that its targets are Hezbollah infrastructure and personnel it deems to be actively rearming and posing an ongoing security threat to northern Israeli communities Ever since the truce brokered in November 2024 — which ended over a year of heavy combat between Israel and Hezbollah — one of its central provisions has been that only Lebanese state security forces remain armed in southern Lebanon. Israel has repeatedly criticised Beirut for failing to fulfil this requirement Hezbollah, in turn, insists that any disarmament efforts must be strictly limited to areas south of the Litani River, warning against broader efforts while Israeli strikes continue. Beirut has condemned the recent bombardments, calling instead for renewed diplomacy and urging the ceasefire-monitoring committee and international mediators to intervene. Humanitarian concerns are growing as lives are lost, infrastructure is damaged, and border communities endure repeated violence. With regional actors watching closely, analysts caution that any misstep could trigger a much wider confrontation. International envoys have renewed calls for restraint, even as Israel appears prepared to escalate unless Lebanon enforces the truce’s terms.