Written by Joyce houeiss for JNews Lebanon
In a chilling military and political escalation, the Israeli army has pushed its aggression against Lebanon into a phase of “all-out open confrontation.” By issuing an urgent evacuation order to southern residents to clear all areas south of the Zahrani River, Israel has effectively declared the entire region a “combat zone,” citing alleged Hezbollah violations. This dramatic shift was coupled with fierce, unprecedented airstrikes targeting Tyre and several towns in the Beqaa, triggering massive and chaotic displacement waves of civilians into the streets.
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The Strategy Behind Expanding the Map: From Litani to Zahrani
High-level military and security sources informed JNews Lebanon that dropping the “Litani River” equation and establishing the “Zahrani River” as the new boundary for Israeli military operations is not a temporary tactical move. Rather, it is a deliberate political decision made in Tel Aviv, backed by Trump’s administration, to capture vast geographical territory and split the South by fire, establishing a harsh security “fait accompli” before any final settlement is reached.
A Bloody Message to the Pentagon Security Talks
Diplomatic insiders confirmed to JNews Lebanon that the timing of this Israeli frenzy is designed to corner the Lebanese military delegation departing tomorrow for Washington to participate in the critical security talks scheduled at the Pentagon on May 29. Tel Aviv aims to use sheer fire and destruction to undermine the field operational plans carried by the Lebanese Army delegation. Netanyahu is determined to pressure both the Lebanese negotiators and the US sponsor into accepting Israel’s rigid demands—chiefly among them, granting the Israeli military absolute freedom of movement deep within Lebanese territory.
Lebanon Caught in the Crossfire of Superpowers
Analytical sources concluded to JNews Lebanon that the smoke over the southern front directly intersects with the intense backchannel friction between Washington and Tehran over the upcoming memorandum of understanding. It is clear that Benjamin Netanyahu is leveraging the destruction of Lebanese cities to decouple the Lebanese front from broader regional deals. This leaves Lebanon in a fatal race until the end of May: either succumb to Israel’s dictated conditions or plunge into widespread devastation that shatters all international red lines.
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