Israel Intensifies Campaign Against Hezbollah With New Military Strategy in Lebanon

Israel intensified its campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with Defense Minister Israel Katz unveiling a four-tier military framework.

Katz said the IDF would continue powerful airstrikes targeting operatives and infrastructure.

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Israeli strikes on April 10 killed 200 Hezbollah operatives, bringing the total killed since March 2 to 1,400 according to Israeli figures.

Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel would pursue talks with the Lebanese government on dismantling Hezbollah.

IDF Chief of Staff Zamir said Israel's achievements against Tehran had been unprecedented and historic.

Israeli analysts cautioned that Hezbollah remains dangerous and is expected to try to rebuild with Iranian backing.

Lebanon and the United States urged Israel to declare a ceasefire ahead of direct negotiations.

Axios reported that the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors would meet in Washington under U.S. auspices.

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The Lebanese government asked Israel to halt air raids before the meeting, and the United States supports the request.

Pakistan's Prime Minister said Iranian officials would participate in talks with the United States.

Iran confirmed it conditions a ceasefire in Lebanon and the release of frozen assets before any talks.

The Lebanese presidency disclosed an agreement to hold the first meeting between Lebanon and Israel.

Hezbollah publicly rejected direct negotiations with Israel and warned against making free concessions.

Secretary-General Naeem Qassem called only for a ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Hezbollah mobilized supporters in protest against Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's stance.

The Lebanese cabinet decided to deploy the army across Beirut, a decision rejected by Hezbollah’s ministers.

Military expert Brig. Gen. Hassan Jouni said Israeli moves reflect a plan to deepen the buffer zone.

Hezbollah announced the execution of 16 attacks targeting military sites and Israeli settlements.

The Lebanese Health Ministry announced the toll from Israeli airstrikes had risen to 357 dead on March 8.

The overall death toll of the war had approached two thousand.

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The ministry added that the overall toll from Israeli strikes since March 2 had risen to 1,953 martyrs and 6,303 wounded.

The Israeli army said it killed more than 180 members of Hezbollah on March 8.

The escalation took on a more complex trajectory as Israeli air raids intersected with Hezbollah's return to offensives.

Brig. Gen. Hassan Jouni noted that Bint Jbeil represents a strategic and moral hub.