The Prime Minister Orders the Military to "Step on the Gas" to Strike Hezbollah

Xinhua News Agency, Jerusalem, May 25 (Reporter Wang Zhuolun, Pang Xinyi) - Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated in a video statement on the evening of the 25th that he has instructed the military to "step on the gas further" and increase the intensity of strikes against Hezbollah.

Netanyahu claimed 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.

He said that Hezbollah is launching attacks on Israel using drones, especially network-enabled drones, and that Israel is forming a special team to address this threat. "What needs to be done now is to strengthen the frequency and intensity of strikes, and we will deliver a decisive blow to them."

Earlier on the 25th, Channel 12 of Israel reported, citing a senior U.S. official, that in light of the recent surge in drone attacks against Israel, the U.S. may support Israel in taking larger-scale military action against Hezbollah.

On the evening of the same day, the Israeli military announced a new round of airstrikes on Hezbollah "infrastructure" in the eastern Bekaa Valley and other areas of Lebanon. Earlier, the Israeli military conducted airstrikes in the southern Lebanese city of Tyre and surrounding areas.

In his video statement, Netanyahu mentioned that in the past eight days, Hezbollah has launched over 1,000 drones and more than 700 rockets at Israel. According to Israeli media reports, since the resumption of hostilities on March 2, more than 20 Israeli soldiers have died in combat operations, with most casualties caused by Hezbollah drones.

The two sides began a temporary ceasefire for 10 days on April 17, which has been extended multiple times. However, since the ceasefire took effect, the Israeli military has continued to launch attacks on the grounds of Hezbollah violating the ceasefire agreement and has dismantled and destroyed what it calls "Hezbollah military infrastructure" in the southern regions occupied by Hezbollah.