Netanyahu orders intensified Lebanon strikes as Hezbollah drone attacks surge, fueling calls to hit Beirut
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to “intensify” attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon after a spike in drone launches toward northern Israel, a move that has heightened fears of a wider escalation — including renewed strikes on Beirut — and prompted disruption and displacement on both sides of the border. The Israeli military said it struck more than 70 Hezbollah sites in the past day, while Israeli far-right ministers urged even harsher action, according to multiple reports on May 25.
Background and context
Cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has repeatedly flared along the Israel-Lebanon frontier, with Israel framing its campaign as necessary to stop attacks on northern communities, and Hezbollah presenting its operations as resistance to Israeli military activity. The latest surge in drone attacks toward Israel’s north has increased pressure on Netanyahu domestically, Deutsche Welle reported in its regional updates.
As the military situation intensified, the wider diplomatic environment remained sensitive: indirect U.S.-Iran dynamics were referenced by several outlets as a backdrop that could be complicated by escalation (Folha de S.Paulo; RT).
Key developments: intensified strikes, drone attacks, and warnings
Netanyahu said Israel would step up operations against Hezbollah, with Al Jazeera reporting he pledged to “intensify” strikes in a bid to “crush” the group. The BBC similarly reported that Netanyahu said Israel would intensify strikes, as the Israeli military hit targets including in eastern Lebanon after the announcement.
The Israel Defense Forces said it attacked over 70 Hezbollah facilities in a day, including command centers and weapons storage sites, according to TASS. The New York Times also reported that, following Netanyahu’s statement, the Israeli military said it had struck more than 70 Hezbollah sites in the previous day.
On the Israeli side, The Times of Israel reported that a Hezbollah drone hit a home in Metula with no injuries. It also reported IDF warnings for residents of 10 towns in southern Lebanon to leave ahead of strikes, signaling preparations for broader military action.
Implications and reactions: far-right pressure, public disruption, and flight from Beirut suburbs
Inside Israel’s government, pressure mounted to expand the target set. The Hindu reported that right-wing ministers urged Netanyahu to resume strikes on Beirut to counter drone attacks. Middle East Eye similarly reported that Israel’s far-right ministers called for strikes on Beirut. The Hindu noted that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has previously made comments that go beyond official policy.
The Times of Israel reported that ministers including Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich demanded major escalation. In parallel, Netanyahu directed the military to deliver “intensify blows” against Hezbollah, according to The Times of Israel, which also said the U.S. indicated it would allow greater Israeli action against the Iran-backed group.
The security situation also disrupted daily life. Middle East Eye reported that northern Israeli authorities shut schools as tensions rose. In Lebanon, Middle East Eye reported that residents fled Beirut’s suburbs after an Israeli escalation warning, and on May 26 said residents were leaving southern Beirut amid fears of further escalation.
Conclusion: escalating military cycle with uncertain diplomatic off-ramps
By late May 25, Israel had publicly committed to expanded strikes and reported a high tempo of attacks on Hezbollah infrastructure, while Hezbollah drone launches continued to drive Israeli political pressure for even broader action — including calls to strike Beirut. With evacuations, school closures, and growing civilian anxiety reported on both sides, the situation remained fluid, and coverage diverged primarily in emphasis: Israeli and some international outlets foregrounded military metrics and deterrence, while regional reporting highlighted civilian flight and escalation warnings (NYT; BBC; Al Jazeera; The Hindu; Middle East Eye).