Hezbollah’s sanctuary at risk as Israel eyes Beirut offensive

Israel is reportedly pressing the United States to approve a dramatic expansion of IDF operations in Beirut as Hezbollah continues its attacks on northern Israel and diplomatic efforts show little sign of success.

The request comes as Israeli forces push deeper into southern Lebanon, capturing strategic positions in the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki areas north of the Litani River. The IDF is now operating near Nabatiya, one of Hezbollah’s most important strongholds and the deepest point Israeli ground forces have reached since the fighting resumed.

Israeli officials argue that Hezbollah has repeatedly violated ceasefire understandings, launching drones, rockets, and missiles at Israeli communities while refusing to halt its aggression. In recent days, Hezbollah attacks have killed and wounded Israeli soldiers and forced thousands of civilians across northern Israel into shelters.

While Britain and Germany are warning against further escalation, Israeli leaders believe diplomacy has failed and that stronger military action may be the only way to remove the threat. With negotiations between Israel and Lebanon stalled and US-Iran talks struggling to advance, Jerusalem appears increasingly determined to strike deeper into Hezbollah’s command centers and infrastructure in Beirut.