Lebanese Officials Warn Israel Is Preparing for Large-Scale Military Operation

Lebanese security sources believe recent extensive Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon are not isolated incidents but preparations for a broad military campaign. According to reports from the Lebanese newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat on Monday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have targeted strategic hilltops overlooking villages and towns, as well as key transportation routes deep within Lebanon. The objective appears to be isolating central areas and preventing the movement of forces. Sources in Beirut suggest that attacks on homes, infrastructure, and roads aim to create buffer zones and sever Hezbollah strongholds from their surroundings, signaling readiness for potential escalation.

Simultaneously, the Lebanese news site Al-Nashra reports growing fears in Beirut of a significant security escalation. Analysts there link the military actions to the upcoming Israeli elections, speculating that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might harden his stance and use aggressive military measures to demonstrate security achievements to the Israeli public. The political campaign in Israel reportedly emphasizes external threats from Iran, Hezbollah, and Turkey, which Lebanese commentators say reduces Israel’s willingness to compromise.

Lebanese political and security circles interpret this approach as reflected in tougher conditions during diplomatic talks and increased military pressure to strengthen Israel’s bargaining position. Meanwhile, negotiations between the countries remain stalled. Lebanese sources claim Israel is not rushing toward a diplomatic breakthrough but prefers to maintain military pressure. The United States is involved primarily to prevent a total collapse of communication channels and to avoid a full-scale conflict escalation.