Israeli Military Chief Says Lebanon Operation ‘Has Only Begun’ as Strikes Escalate

Israel's top military commander declared that operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon are just beginning, as Israeli forces continue bombing bridges and infrastructure. The escalation comes after Hezbollah resumed missile attacks on Israel, breaking a November 2024 ceasefire agreement.

Israeli military leaders announced Sunday that their campaign against Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon represents just the opening phase of what they describe as an extended operation to diminish the Iran-supported organization’s combat strength.

The escalated military action follows Hezbollah’s decision to restart missile launches into Israeli territory, marking the first such attacks since a ceasefire agreement took effect in November 2024. Israeli forces have responded by bombing strategic infrastructure, including river crossings and facilities allegedly controlled by Hezbollah.

“The operation against the Hezbollah terrorist organization has only begun … This is a prolonged operation,” stated IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir during remarks made Sunday evening.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that military forces have received orders to speed up the demolition of Lebanese residences believed to be utilized by the militant organization. “We have ordered an acceleration in the destruction of Lebanese homes in contact-line villages to neutralize threats to Israeli communities, in accordance with the model of Beit Hanoun and Rafah in Gaza,” Katz explained. He noted that Lebanese civilians would receive safe corridors for evacuation toward northern areas.

Recent Israeli airstrikes destroyed the Zarieh Bridge, which military officials claimed served as a transportation route for Hezbollah fighters moving between Lebanon’s northern and southern regions. Additional bombing runs have focused on other Litani River crossings, including the Qasmiyeh bridge.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticized “Israel’s targeting and destruction of infrastructure and vital facilities in southern Lebanon, particularly the Qasmiyeh bridge over the Litani River and other bridges.”

“These attacks represent a dangerous escalation and flagrant violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty, and are considered a prelude to a ground invasion,” Aoun declared.

The military campaign unfolds amid growing hostilities across the Israel-Lebanon frontier, with Israeli officials indicating their intention to maintain sustained strikes against Hezbollah strongholds throughout southern Lebanon.