Benjamin Netanyahu says he ordered to ‘hit the gas’ on Hezbollah strikes

Key Points:

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF to intensify strikes against Hezbollah, claiming over 600 Hezbollah terrorists have been killed recently and emphasizing the need to increase military force in response to drone attacks.
• IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir proposed attacking Beirut following Hezbollah's drone attacks on Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, after conducting operational assessments and visiting frontline units.
• A U.S. official indicated that Hezbollah has ignored ultimatums to cease attacks, stressing that Israel will not tolerate ongoing aggression against its forces and civilians under the current administration.
• Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for a drastic military response, suggesting that for every explosive drone launched by Hezbollah, ten buildings in Beirut should be destroyed, highlighting a recently approved NIS 2 billion defense budget to counter drone threats.
• National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged a return to full-scale war in Lebanon, advocating for cutting electricity in Lebanon and military conquest of Hezbollah strongholds, reflecting a hardline stance against normalization with Hezbollah’s tactics.