Israel intensified airstrikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon on Monday, May 25, 2026, following a directive from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to escalate military operations. The strikes targeted southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, killing at least three people, according to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA). Netanyahu stated in a video message that Israel would 'crush' Hezbollah, despite a ceasefire agreement that came into effect on April 17. The Israeli military reported destroying over 70 Hezbollah infrastructure sites, including command centers and weapons storage facilities.
The escalation coincides with ongoing US-Iran negotiations aimed at finalizing a peace agreement to end the broader Middle East conflict. The US and Iran held talks in Pakistan in April, but no deal was reached. President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely and emphasized that the US blockade would remain in place until negotiations conclude. Meanwhile, the US conducted 'self-defense' strikes in southern Iran on Monday, targeting missile launch sites and boats attempting to emplace mines, according to US Central Command.
Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend the ceasefire by 45 days earlier this month, but both sides have continued to exchange fire. Israeli officials are set to meet with Lebanese counterparts at the Pentagon on Friday to discuss the ceasefire's status. Netanyahu has vowed to eliminate Hezbollah, claiming over 600 militants have been killed so far. The conflict has displaced over one million people in Lebanon, with more than 400 civilians killed since the ceasefire began.