Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered renewed attacks Monday on Hezbollah-controlled areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, marking an escalation in the ongoing conflict that has intertwined with broader US-Iran tensions. The moves follow what Israeli officials describe as repeated ceasefire violations by Hezbollah, including rocket salvos aimed at northern Israeli cities such as Tiberias and Nahariya.

Netanyahu stated that Israel would not tolerate attacks from Hezbollah on Israeli cities and insisted that Hezbollah’s operations in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district remain a red line. The Israeli military urged residents of the southern Beirut suburbs to evacuate, warning that further rocket launches by Hezbollah would prompt additional airstrikes. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz affirmed that calm in Beirut would not occur without calm in northern Israel. Israeli forces have increased ground operations, including the capture of the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, in efforts to secure the border region.

Hezbollah, backed by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards since its founding in 1982, has claimed responsibility for missile attacks targeting Israeli military infrastructure deep inside Israel. The group has framed its actions as retaliation for Israeli strikes in Lebanon, which have continued despite a declared ceasefire between Iran and the US since April 16. Iranian officials have condemned the Israeli attacks as obstacles to diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the broader US-Iran conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that the ceasefire agreement covers all fronts, including Lebanon, and held Israel and the US responsible for any violations.

The conflict has displaced over one million people within Lebanon, with large-scale evacuations underway from Beirut’s southern suburbs. Residents like Naji Musulmani and Mohammed Farhat have been forced to flee their homes amid fears of further Israeli bombardment. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported significant damage to civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon, including Jabal Amel Hospital in Tyre, where windows were shattered during recent airstrikes.

Casualty figures indicate the conflict’s heavy toll, with Lebanese authorities reporting more than 3,400 deaths since hostilities escalated in early March following Hezbollah’s initial attacks in support of Iran. Israeli sources confirm 24 soldiers and four civilians killed during the same period.

Efforts to de-escalate the situation have involved diplomatic interventions led by Washington. Discussions planned for this week in Washington between Israeli and Lebanese officials aim to expand zones exempt from attacks and reach a comprehensive ceasefire. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has proposed a gradual de-escalation plan, involving Hezbollah’s cessation of attacks on Israel in exchange for an end to Israeli strikes on Beirut. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has expressed preference for a full ceasefire over phased approaches, placing some responsibility on Israel to cease hostilities first.

Despite these diplomatic overtures, sporadic exchanges of fire and retaliatory measures have persisted, underscoring the challenges of achieving lasting peace amid entrenched hostilities and regional geopolitical complexities.