NEW DELHI: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to launch strikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut's southern suburbs, a move that significantly escalates the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group. The targeted district, known as Dahiyeh, is widely regarded as Hezbollah's political and military stronghold.

According to a statement from Netanyahu's office, the strikes were authorized in response to what Israel described as repeated Hezbollah violations of a ceasefire agreement and continued attacks on Israeli cities and civilians. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz joined Netanyahu in directing the military to hit what officials called "terrorist targets" in the Beirut suburb.

The latest operation comes amid a broader expansion of Israeli military activity in Lebanon. Israeli forces have intensified air and ground operations in recent days, including the capture of the strategically important Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon. Netanyahu has instructed the military to deepen its operations against Hezbollah positions, arguing that sustained pressure is necessary to stop cross-border attacks.

Residents in southern Beirut reportedly fled the area following warnings of impending strikes. The attack marks one of the most significant Israeli actions in the Lebanese capital since hostilities intensified earlier this year, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.

The conflict has already inflicted a heavy humanitarian toll. Lebanese authorities say more than 3,370 people have been killed and over one million displaced since fighting escalated in March. Israel reports dozens of military and civilian deaths resulting from Hezbollah rocket, drone, and missile attacks.

International concern is mounting as diplomatic efforts struggle to contain the violence. The United States has proposed a new de-escalation framework under which Hezbollah would halt attacks on Israel and Israel would refrain from expanding military operations in Beirut. France has also called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council amid fears that the collapse of the ceasefire could trigger a broader regional crisis.

Analysts warn that renewed strikes in Beirut could further complicate negotiations aimed at ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah and could have broader implications for ongoing regional diplomacy involving Iran, Lebanon, Israel, and the United States.