BEIRUT — Senior Israeli officials have appealed to senior U.S. officials to allow the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to expand military strikes in Beirut, according to two sources who spoke with The Jerusalem Post. The request comes as Israel intensifies operations in southern Lebanon beyond the April 17 ceasefire line.
The IDF announced Sunday that it had taken control of the Beaufort Ridge outpost and Wadi al-Saluki areas north of the Litani River. Israeli air force, artillery, and tank units conducted extensive support strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure ahead of the ground advance. The military said Tuesday it would push past the ceasefire’s Yellow Line and the Litani River in response to ongoing Hezbollah drone attacks that have killed and wounded an increasing number of soldiers. IDF forces are now operating near Nabatiya, approximately 20 kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon border—the farthest advance by Israeli ground troops since hostilities resumed. Before the April 17 ceasefire, Israeli forces had reached about 10 kilometers from the border. Officials indicated they are prepared to further expand operations in the region. Israeli officials are hopeful the United States will approve the expanded strikes in Beirut, citing stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran as well as deadlocked talks between Israel and Lebanon, according to unnamed sources.
International criticism of Israel’s military escalation has grown. UK Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper called on Israel to halt its Lebanon operations, saying, “It must end.” She added, “Israel's military escalation in Lebanon has killed and displaced civilians, destroyed infrastructure, and eroded space for diplomacy.” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also urged all sides to cease hostilities, describing Israel’s push into southern Lebanon as “a cause for serious concern.” He warned, “Any further escalation will exacerbate the already tense situation and trigger new waves of displacement within Lebanon.”