(This article has been revised to include new updates.)

On Sunday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog justified the recent surge in violent actions against Hezbollah, attributing the situation to the militant group’s frequent rocket strikes from Lebanon that have displaced approximately 100,000 Israelis for several months.

“Hezbollah has been relentlessly attacking us, destroying our communities,” Herzog remarked during an appearance on CBS’ Face the Nation. “Our northern border is in ruins. I doubt any American would accept this as a normal state of affairs in their country.”

Just last Friday, an Israeli operation in Beirut resulted in the deaths of top Hezbollah officials. Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s deputy leader, stated at a funeral on Sunday that the group was “ready to confront all military options” against Israel.

A week earlier, reports linked Israel to a tech-savvy strike against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, resulting in at least 37 fatalities and more than 2,700 injuries. Israel has refrained from commenting on this incident, where signals sent to Hezbollah’s communications caused explosions. Multiple sources indicate that this operation was orchestrated by Israel.

This incident exacerbated existing tensions in the area. Nevertheless, Herzog dismissed suggestions that Israel was escalating the conflict into full warfare, asserting that Israeli forces are aiming for a diplomatic resolution. He reiterated previous claims that Hezbollah and Hamas leaders are unwilling to participate in dialogue.

“This is the epitome of jihadism, and that’s the entity we are combatting,” Herzog affirmed. “I sincerely hope, and I declare this officially as Israel’s president, that we do not desire war, but should it be imposed upon us, we will respond forcefully.”

Recent Updates:

∎ Jeanine Hennis, the U.N. special coordinator for Lebanon, warned that the region is nearing a “disaster.” She urged both parties to pursue diplomatic resolutions, emphasizing that “There is NO military solution that will enhance safety for either side,” in a post on X.

∎ Mojtaba Amani, the Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, who sustained injuries from recent Israeli strikes in Beirut, remarked on social media that his injury “is a source of pride for me, as I stand in solidarity with the oppressed Lebanese amid this act of aggression.”

Hezbollah strikes deep into Israel

Israeli fighter jets targeted Hezbollah locations in Lebanon on Sunday following recent rocket fire that hit the northern Israeli city of Haifa and the Jezreel Valley, marking a significant escalation. The Israeli military reported that around 150 rockets, cruise missiles, and drones were launched at Israel, but air defense systems managed to avert substantial damage. Schools were closed, gatherings in the north were restricted, and hospitals were instructed to relocate patients and staff to safe zones.

In retaliation, Israel has conducted some of its most intense air assaults during the ongoing conflict.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicated that the military targeted nearly 300 locations over the weekend, stating that operations would persist until it is safe for evacuees in the north to return home. Hezbollah has promised to continue its fight until a ceasefire concerning the Gaza war is reached.

“We have delivered a series of blows to Hezbollah (more severe) than they anticipated,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted in a video message. “If Hezbollah does not grasp the message, rest assured, it will soon.”

Israel closes Al Jazeera TV bureau in West Bank

Al Jazeera, based in Qatar, showed live footage of Israeli forces entering its bureau in Ramallah, West Bank, with a military order to shutter its operations for 45 days. Shortly afterward, the broadcast was cut off. The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate condemned this action as a “new infringement upon journalistic work and media efforts that expose the occupation’s transgressions against the Palestinian people.”

In May, Israeli forces also raided a hotel room in Jerusalem used by Al Jazeera for its operations after the government decided to terminate the station’s local activities, citing national security concerns.

Report: Half of hostages in Hamas’ custody are deceased

Netanyahu allegedly informed lawmakers that only 49 of the 97 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza are alive, as reported by Army Radio. These remarks were made in a private session of the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Netanyahu repeatedly denied impeding hostage negotiations, placing responsibility on Hamas for the situation.

According to the report, many changes are being requested for the suggested cease-fire plan.

Source: Reuters