(This article has been updated with additional information.)

On Sunday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog spoke out in defense of the recent surge in violence directed at Hezbollah, attributing the humanitarian crisis affecting 100,000 Israelis to the militant group’s continuous rocket fire from Lebanon.

“Hezbollah has been launching daily attacks, devastating our communities,” Herzog said during an interview on CBS’ Face the Nation. “Life in our northern regions has been completely disrupted. I doubt any American would consider this acceptable in their nation.”

Following airstrikes on Beirut that resulted in the deaths of key Hezbollah officials, deputy chief Naim Qassem asserted that the group is “prepared to confront all military options” against Israel during a memorial service on Sunday.

Earlier in the week, an Israeli-linked sophisticated strike on Hezbollah in Lebanon killed at least 37 individuals and injured over 2,700. Israel has remained silent about the operation, which involved a signal that caused Hezbollah’s communication devices to explode. Various reports suggest Israel orchestrated the attack with careful planning.

This escalation has intensified already high tensions in the region. However, Herzog refuted allegations that Israel is seeking to escalate the situation into a full conflict, asserting that Israeli forces are aimed at achieving a diplomatic solution instead. He emphasized that Hezbollah and Hamas leaders are unwilling to negotiate.

“This is jihadism in its most potent form that we are combating,” Herzog remarked. “As the President of Israel, I sincerely express that we do not desire war, but if it is forced upon us, we will respond firmly.”

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∎ The U.N. special envoy for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis, stated that the region is “on the pitch of disaster” and urged both parties to pursue diplomatic negotiations. “It’s crucial to emphasize: There is NO military resolution that will ensure safety for either side,” she expressed on X.

∎ Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani, who suffered injuries during Friday’s Israeli strikes in Beirut, posted on social media that his injury “is a mark of honor as I stand in solidarity with the oppressed in Lebanon against this act of war.”

Hezbollah targets Israel

Israeli fighter jets struck Hezbollah sites in Lebanon on Sunday after rockets from the militant group hit the northern Israeli city of Haifa and surrounding areas, marking the furthest penetration into Israel since the onset of the Gaza conflict nearly a year ago. The Israeli military reported the launch of approximately 150 rockets, cruise missiles, and drones, adding that their defense systems successfully mitigated potential damages. Schools were closed, public gatherings were restricted, and hospitals were instructed to relocate patients and staff to safe zones in northern Israel.

Israel responded with some of its most intense bombardments throughout the war.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated the military targeted nearly 300 sites over the weekend, emphasizing that operations would continue until it is deemed safe for displaced residents to return. Hezbollah has asserted its commitment to continue fighting until a ceasefire is reached regarding the Gaza conflict.

“We have dealt Hezbollah serious blows that they did not anticipate,” declared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video message. “If Hezbollah hasn’t grasped the message yet, I assure you that it will soon.”

Israel orders closure of Al Jazeera in West Bank

On Sunday, Qatari news outlet Al Jazeera broadcast live footage of Israeli forces raiding its office in the West Bank city of Ramallah, with orders to shut it down for 45 days. Shortly after, the live feed was interrupted. The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate condemned this move as a grave infringement on journalism and media practices, which have been highlighting the occupation’s actions against Palestinians.

Earlier in May, Israeli forces had also infiltrated a hotel room in Jerusalem that served as an Al Jazeera office following the government’s decision to end the outlet’s local operations due to perceived national security threats.

Allegations of hostage deaths in Gaza

Reports indicate that Netanyahu informed lawmakers that only half of the 97 hostages reportedly held by Hamas in Gaza are still alive, according to Army Radio. These comments were made during a closed-door meeting of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, with Netanyahu also reiterating that he is not obstructing any potential hostage negotiations, placing the blame on Hamas.

The report indicates that there are several demands for changes to the suggested cease-fire plan.

Source: Reuters