Hezbollah

The Israeli military has escalated its strikes and operations across southern Lebanon, according to reports from regional media. The intensified attacks mark a continuation of cross-border tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, raising concerns about a wider escalation in the region. Details on casualties and specific targets remain limited in early coverage.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Israel to 'go to war' in the West Bank as it did in Gaza, and to annex most of the Gaza Strip along with southern Lebanon. His remarks, reported by The Times of Israel, represent a far-right escalation of rhetoric at a time when Israel's military campaigns in Gaza and against Hezbollah in Lebanon remain active, and are likely to draw sharp international criticism.

Reports from southern Lebanon say Israeli artillery shelled the town of Al-Mansouri, with claims that white phosphorus munitions were used. White phosphorus is restricted under international law because of the severe burns it causes, and its alleged use has drawn repeated condemnation from human rights groups. The report comes amid ongoing cross-border exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah-linked areas of Lebanon, which have displaced residents and raised fears of a wider conflict.