On Monday, Israel expanded its military campaign by launching new airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. This escalation comes after Hezbollah confirmed it had fired rockets and drones towards Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei. US President Donald Trump indicated that mutual American-Israeli strikes against Iranian targets could last for weeks, hinting at a prolonged conflict in the region.

Israeli forces targeted southern suburbs of Beirut, which are known strongholds of Hezbollah, resulting in over ten explosions that shook the Lebanese capital. Israel claims that key Hezbollah officials were also hit during these attacks, significantly heightening tensions in an already volatile region. This resurgence of military actions raises concerns about a potential return to full-scale conflict, particularly given the fragile state of previous cease-fire agreements mediated by the United States.

The renewed violence poses implications not only for Lebanon and Israel but also for broader Middle Eastern geopolitics, as the US remains involved in the intricate web of alliances and enmities in the region. Following a ceasefire established in 2024, the recent escalation suggests that any diplomatic resolutions may now be more difficult to achieve amid escalating hostilities.