Final push before talks: Israel eyes escalation in Lebanon war

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

Israel is seeking to maximize military operations in Lebanon in the remaining days before the expected launch of direct negotiations with Lebanon, aiming to avoid mounting U.S. pressure to scale back its campaign against Hezbollah.

Several ministers within Israel's cabinet reportedly opposed entering talks with Lebanon, urging instead to continue military operations. They argue the campaign should not only target Hezbollah's military capabilities but also increase pressure on Lebanon's political system, including calls to remove Hezbollah-affiliated ministers from the government.

At the same time, an Israeli official said Tel Aviv rejects any ceasefire during the negotiation process. The official added that part of the talks is expected to focus on border adjustments, with Israel seeking to expand a security buffer zone along the frontier.

Israeli political leadership has also expressed concern that the United States, which is mediating the process, may push to declare that the time has come to move toward de-escalation.

According to officials, contacts between Washington and Tel Aviv remain active and frequent, focusing on formulations that would allow Israel to carry out a final wave of strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure within a limited timeframe before U.S.-driven pressure for a ceasefire takes effect on the northern front.