Israeli Escalation in Southern Lebanon Raises Questions Over Next Phase

Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon have intensified with helicopter strikes, tank shelling, artillery fire, and house demolitions. Lebanese observers are debating whether the escalation is limited to military pressure or signals a broader shift in Israel’s occupation strategy. Lebanon’s lead negotiator is expected to visit the Vatican as no new date has been set for Lebanese-Israeli talks.

Israeli forces intensified operations with helicopter strikes, tank shelling, artillery, and house demolitions. An Apache hit a commercial center near Nabatieh; machine-gun sweeps struck Beit Yahoun, Serbine, and Wadi Zibqeen. A Merkava fired four shells at Hadatha, troops set a center ablaze, and homes in al-Mansouri were demolished. Israel said it targeted Hezbollah sites after an overnight explosive drone launch.

Expert Hassan Jouni said the escalation may be routine or finalize al-Mansouri operations. Israel says its current phase of dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure is almost done. Jouni cited possible redeployment to prepared positions along the buffer zone and Yellow Line, but called strikes on Jabal al-Rihan, Jabal Safi, and Sejod troubling for a possible Iqlim al-Tuffah offensive.