A race between war and diplomacy: Israel intensifies strikes in Lebanon

Report by Nada Andraos, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

The security situation from South Lebanon to the Bekaa region is moving toward further escalation, amid what appears to be an Israeli effort to impose new military and political realities on the ground.

According to LBCI sources, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has intensified contacts with U.S. officials in an effort to pressure Israel into respecting the ceasefire.

The sources said Washington has required Israel to avoid targeting Beirut and its southern suburbs, as well as Lebanese civilian infrastructure, including Beirut's airport. However, they added that the U.S. has simultaneously allowed Israel to carry out what are described as precise, targeted assassinations of Hezbollah leaders, even if they occur in Beirut or its southern suburbs.

In South Lebanon and the Bekaa, Washington is reportedly less restrictive, allowing Israel significant operational freedom and an escalation of military activity currently underway.

President Aoun, who met with a Lebanese military delegation before its departure to Washington, reiterated the need to prioritize a sustained ceasefire and halt the demolition of southern villages. Lebanese officials continue to question how negotiations can proceed under ongoing military pressure and what they describe as a lack of Israeli compliance with any operational constraints.

On the ground, Israel is reportedly attempting to reshape the battlefield through expanded territorial control across three axes.

In the eastern sector, Israeli forces advanced from Deir Seryan toward Zawtar El Charqiyeh, reaching the center of the town, while also attempting to impose fire control over Zawtar El Gharbiyeh, Yohmor al-Shaqif, and Arnoun. 

In the central sector, Israeli forces are said to be seeking fire control over Haddatha and Aaita El Jabal.

In the western sector, operations reportedly aim to establish fire dominance over Mazraat Byout El Saiyad, Majdal Zoun, Zibqin, Mansouri, and Qlaileh.

The developments reflect what appears to be a race between military escalation and diplomatic efforts ahead of any broader Iranian-American understanding, with the future of a ceasefire in Lebanon still uncertain and subject to ongoing negotiations.