Israel Expands Annexation of Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza

BEIRUT – Israel is expanding its ground offensive in southern Lebanon through multiple attack routes to establish a self-declared buffer zone. The move marks the latest escalation despite an official ceasefire still in place between the two sides. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously announced plans to intensify and expand military operations against Lebanon, a move that could further complicate efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. In his latest statement, Netanyahu said he had ordered the Israeli military to expand its operations in Lebanon. The announcement comes amid reported contacts and discussions between Israeli and Lebanese officials. Meanwhile, Tehran insists that an end to Israeli military actions in various fronts, particularly in Lebanon, must be a key component of any potential agreement with Washington. The Israeli prime minister also indicated that military operations in southern Lebanon will continue into the future, describing the mission as one that ‘requires time’ to resolve. He added that he had directed the military to intensify attacks on Hezbollah positions. Netanyahu further claimed that Israeli forces had killed around 700 Hezbollah members in May and that the total Hezbollah casualties since March had reached approximately 8,000. These figures have not been independently verified. Lebanese Health Ministry reports indicate many casualties from Israeli strikes are women, children, and medical personnel. The Israeli leader also pointed to the Israeli military presence in the Beaufort Castle (Qalaat al-Shaqif) area in southern Lebanon, describing it as part of a broader security strategy. According to Netanyahu, Israel is simultaneously conducting operations in several fronts, including Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza, where it has established what it calls security buffer zones.