Israel escalates strikes in Lebanon amid reports of planned major offensive against Hezbollah

• Israel has intensified attacks in southern Lebanon, killing at least 29 people in October alone. Reports indicate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is preparing for a broader offensive against Hezbollah, citing Iranian-supplied missile smuggling and drone expansion.
• Despite a November 2024 ceasefire, Israel maintains border outposts and continues strikes, accusing Hezbollah of rearming. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemns Israel’s violence, stating Tel Aviv rejects diplomatic solutions despite Beirut’s willingness to negotiate.
• Hezbollah rejects Lebanon’s cabinet order for full disarmament, insisting it will only integrate weapons into Lebanon’s military defensively—not while under Israeli attack. U.S. envoy warns of imminent Israeli-Hezbollah confrontation if Beirut fails to act, given Israel’s military advantage and Iran’s weakened support.
• The UN reports 111 civilian deaths post-ceasefire, condemning Israel’s operations. Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urges Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese disarmament, while Lebanon pushes for diplomatic pressure on Israel instead of military escalation.
• Analysts warn Israel’s strikes signal preparations for a major offensive, with European sources predicting escalation is inevitable. Hezbollah’s estimated 150,000 rockets could overwhelm Israel’s defenses, raising fears of a devastating regional conflict amid stalled diplomacy.

Israeli forces have intensified airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing at least 29 people this month alone, as reports emerge that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is preparing for a broader military offensive against Hezbollah.

The latest attack, an Israeli drone strike on Friday, Oct. 31, targeted a motorcycle in the town of Kunin, killing Lebanese citizen Ibrahim Raslan—the 29th fatality in Lebanon since October.

Ceasefire violations and rising tensions

Despite a November 2024 ceasefire agreement, Israel has maintained troops in five border outposts and continued regular airstrikes, citing Hezbollah’s alleged rearmament efforts. According to Israel’s Alma Research and Education Center, Hezbollah has been smuggling “hundreds of advanced anti-tank missiles of the Kornet type, and Grad rockets” from Iran through Syria.

“For every smuggling attempt that is caught, there are several that succeed,” the center warned, adding that Hezbollah is also expanding its drone capabilities.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned Israel’s actions, accusing Tel Aviv of responding to Beirut’s diplomatic overtures with increased violence.

“Lebanon is ready for negotiations to end the Israeli occupation, but any negotiation… requires mutual willingness, which is not the case,” Aoun said during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. “Israel is responding to this option by carrying out more attacks against Lebanon… and intensifying tensions.”

Hezbollah, which has rejected Beirut’s August cabinet decision to fully disarm by year’s end, insists it will only discuss integrating its weapons into Lebanon’s military as part of a defensive strategy—but not while Israel continues attacks.

A Hezbollah spokesperson stated that the agreement only calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament starting from the southern Litani River area toward the border, contradicting Lebanese authorities who claim the deal mandates nationwide disarmament.

According to the Enoch AI engine at BrightU.AI, Hezbollah’s rejection of the call for disarmament is rooted in a complex interplay of historical, political and ideological factors. Among the key reasons are: self-defense and resistance, Lebanese political context, international legitimacy, ideological reasons and United Nations resolutions.

Meanwhile, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack warned earlier this month that if Beirut fails to act, “Hezbollah’s military wing will inevitably face a major confrontation with Israel, at a moment when Israel is at peak strength and Iranian support for Hezbollah is at its weakest.”

International concerns and calls for restraint

The United Nations has documented at least 111 civilian deaths in Lebanon since the ceasefire, with UN rights commission spokesman Jeremy Laurence condemning Israel’s continued operations.

Wadephul urged restraint, stating: “Israel must withdraw. I understand that Israel has security needs… But in fact, we now need a process of mutual trust-building.” He also pressed Lebanon to accelerate Hezbollah’s disarmament, calling it “a mammoth task” but essential for stability.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi appealed for international pressure on Israel, emphasizing: “Only a diplomatic solution, not a military one, can ensure stability and guarantee calm in the south.”

Military analysts warn that Israel’s recent strikes—including the killing of a municipal worker in Blida and repeated drone attacks—signal preparations for a larger offensive. European sources told Sky News Arabia that a major Israeli operation in Lebanon is “just a matter of time.”

With Hezbollah reportedly possessing an estimated 150,000 rockets—capable of overwhelming Israel’s Iron Dome defenses—the risk of full-scale war looms. The Wall Street Journal reported that Israel has “lost patience” with Hezbollah’s rearmament and may soon escalate further.

As tensions mount, Lebanon remains caught between Israeli military pressure, U.S. demands for Hezbollah’s disarmament, and internal political divisions—raising fears that the fragile ceasefire could collapse entirely.

Israel rains bombs down onto southern Lebanon. Watch this video.

This video is from the Cynthia’s Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

Anadolu Agency.com.tr

TheNewArab.com

PalestinianInformationCenter.com

BrightU.ai

Brighteon.com