In an exclusive interview, a senior Israeli military official disclosed that the military is actively and swiftly conducting operations in southern Lebanon. The goal is to dismantle Hezbollah’s weapons and command centers within a timeframe of “days to weeks.”
On October 19, Israeli forces launched extensive airstrikes targeting both northern Gaza and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Multiple residential buildings in Beit Lahiya, Gaza, were hit, resulting in at least 87 fatalities. Following Hezbollah’s rocket attacks into northern Israel, the group’s munitions storage facilities in southern Beirut were also reduced to rubble from Israeli airstrikes.
Israeli officials communicated with Ynet News, an electronic media outlet, stating that the military’s efforts to conclude operations will be synchronized with diplomatic negotiations, which aim to foster reconciliation.
The official noted that political processes are underway and suggested that the forthcoming developments are viewed positively from Israel’s perspective.
According to Reuters, the airstrikes on Beit Lahiya caused significant casualties, with dozens reported dead or injured. Palestinian health officials indicated that telecommunications and internet services have been cut off for a second consecutive day, severely hampering rescue operations.
Residents and medical personnel have reported intensified Israeli encirclement of the Jabalia refugee camp, the largest of the eight historic camps in Gaza. Israeli armored vehicles have moved toward nearby Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya, with local residents receiving evacuation orders.
Residents of Jabalia described a scenario where Israeli forces surrounded and attacked several refugee shelters, detaining dozens of men. Videos circulating on social media showed a group of Palestinian men seated on the ground next to an armored vehicle, while others were led away by a soldier to detention locations. Reuters has not been able to immediately verify the authenticity of these videos.
In response, Israeli officials stated that the evacuation orders aim to separate Hamas militants from civilians and denied any systematic plan to evacuate civilians from Jabalia or other northern regions.
Hezbollah and Iran are reportedly seeking a ceasefire with Israeli forces to retain their capacity to rebuild military and political power. Recently, prominent political and sectarian leaders in Lebanon held a rare public meeting urging a ceasefire and political reconciliation, though no mention of Hezbollah’s demands was made. Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has publicly opposed Iranian interference in Lebanese domestic affairs.
Additionally, a reserve brigade entered southern Lebanon on October 20, tasked with dismantling the logistical bases and defensive zones established by Hezbollah’s elite Radwan unit in local villages. The official warned that any house found with weapons would be destroyed, potentially resulting in widespread destruction.
