Defense Minister Israel Katz’s dramatic announcement this morning about seizing the Beaufort Ridge may be just the beginning of a new, intensified phase against Hezbollah. After a series of discussions over the past day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Katz are leaning toward approving major strikes across Lebanon in the coming day. Part of the emerging plan is expected to include evacuation warnings to hundreds of thousands of Lebanese civilians.
The move to escalate strikes comes against the backdrop of a developing deal between Iran and the United States—which, as we reported, is expected to include Lebanon as well. Still, while the agreement hasn’t yet been approved by President Trump, Israeli officials say any expansion of strikes would be done in full coordination with American officials.