Israel ramps up Lebanon operations despite ceasefire pressure

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian 

Far from the ceasefire agreement and U.S. pressure to preserve it, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has kept the war active on the Lebanese front, under rules he says were agreed upon with the United States and Lebanon.

Following a Sunday assessment meeting, the Israeli military has drawn up a field plan.

Under the plan, dozens of operations would be carried out in the area of the “Yellow Line” south of the Litani River. 

It includes incursions into villages and towns, accompanied by reinforcements in preparation for possible clashes with dozens or even hundreds of Hezbollah fighters.

“Like looking for a needle in a haystack,” an Israeli report described the operations carried out by the military in Lebanon and the difficulties it faces in targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.

The developments come amid reports that Israel is seeking U.S. approval to expand the scope of its operations to include Beirut and the Bekaa, while sources familiar with the situation warn against a reckless step that could draw Israel deeper into the conflict in Lebanon.