Israeli Army Crosses the Line to Raid Southern Lebanon, Escalating Tensions Before US-Iran Agreement is Reached

Xinhua News Agency, Jerusalem, May 26 (Reporter Wang Zhuolun, Pang Xinyi) Israeli media reported on the 26th that in response to the ongoing drone attacks by Hezbollah against Israel, the Israeli military has begun to cross the "Blue Line" defined by the ceasefire agreement of April 17 and conduct ground operations deeper into Lebanese territory.

The Jerusalem Post reported that it is currently unclear how far the Israeli military will advance in this operation. The report cited Israeli military officials as saying that controlling specific locations outside the "Blue Line" could help weaken the drone threat posed by Hezbollah.

The report stated that the purpose of this operation by the Israeli military is not yet clear, but it may aim to gradually expand control over Lebanese territory and pressure Hezbollah to reduce drone attacks or even accept the disarmament of some of its forces, while demonstrating to the Israeli public that the government and military are responding to security threats with a tough stance.

The report noted that the escalation of the situation between Israel and Lebanon comes at a time when there are widespread expectations that the U.S. and Iran will reach an agreement. The U.S.-Iran agreement may further require a more comprehensive ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a video statement on the evening of the 25th, saying he has instructed the military to "step on the gas" and increase the intensity of strikes against Hezbollah. He stated that Israel is "in a state of war with Hezbollah," and the Israeli military has killed over 600 Hezbollah militants in recent weeks, but will not ease military pressure.

The two sides began a 10-day temporary ceasefire on April 17, which has been extended multiple times. However, since the ceasefire took effect, the Israeli military has launched attacks citing Hezbollah's violations of the ceasefire agreement and has dismantled and destroyed what it calls "Hezbollah military infrastructure" in the southern regions of Lebanon it occupies.