Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday renewed his escalatory rhetoric toward Lebanon, Syria, and the Gaza Strip, asserting that his government “strikes Hezbollah whenever it tries to raise its head.”
In a video posted on his official X account, Netanyahu said the Israeli army carried out a military operation in Syria “a few days ago,” without providing details, adding that operations will continue “until the Iranian axis and Hamas are eliminated and all detainees are returned.”
These statements come amid ongoing tension on the northern front, despite a fragile ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024 through international mediation.
The occupation continues to launch airstrikes on multiple areas in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, claiming they target “weapons depots and Hezbollah military infrastructure.” Israeli forces also maintain control over five border hills seized during recent clashes—a clear violation of the agreement’s terms.
Lebanese Government Mandate and Hezbollah’s Response
On 5 August, the Lebanese government tasked the army with preparing a plan to disarm Hezbollah before year’s end, as part of efforts to assert state sovereignty over all Lebanese territory.
Hezbollah rejected the proposal outright, conditioning any discussion of its arms on the cessation of Israeli airstrikes and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
Domestic Pressure on Netanyahu
In a separate context, Netanyahu said that internal opposition attempts to topple his government “will not succeed,” referring to ongoing demonstrations in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities demanding early elections and accusing him of failure in managing the war on Gaza and regional fronts.
Analysts note that Netanyahu’s frequent threats against Hezbollah and Iran reflect an attempt to regain political and military initiative after sharp criticism of his government over the prolonged Gaza war and the failure to achieve its declared objectives since October 2023.
Annexation Talk Resurfaces
Earlier, three Israeli officials said Israel is considering annexing the occupied West Bank in a possible response to France and other countries recognising a Palestinian state. Another Israeli official indicated the idea would receive greater discussion, while a member of the Security Cabinet said that asserting Israeli “sovereignty” over the West Bank—i.e., effectively annexing territory seized in the 1967 war—was on the meeting’s agenda.
