Israel Continues Attack On Lebanon, Official: If Hezbollah Doesn't Stop, Next Stage Will Come

Illustration of Israeli fighter jets. (Wikimedia Commons/Yuval Shmueli/IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

JAKARTA - The increased airstrikes in recent days carried out on Lebanese territory with the target of the Hezbollah militant group, aimed "to change the balance of forces in the north by destroying thousands of rockets, by destroying (Hezbollah) capabilities and in other ways," an Israeli official said.

The effort began with reports of "various explosions of loudspeakers and other devices throughout Lebanon," the official said.

Israel itself has not confirmed they were behind the attack.

"The attack continued with the killing of Ibrahim Aqil and the leader of Radwan. And the attack continued over the past two days with the expansion of a massive attack with the aim of hitting Hezbollah hard," the official said.

He further said, there are two main goals to be achieved. First, "to strengthen the prevention of Hezbollah and to create a situation where Israel can return residents to their homes."

The second is to prevent "all Iranian axes," the official said.

Israel will stop its operations if Hezbollah meets Israeli demands, especially for Hezbollah to withdraw from Israel's northern border, the official said.

"They know our demands. But if Hezbollah doesn't stop, the next stage will come," the official warned, without explaining what would happen.

The official said it didn't have to be a land invasion. "They will stop shooting, or they will not be able to do it again," he stressed.

Israel again carried out attacks on the position of the Hezbollah group in Lebanon on Tuesday, attacks for the second day in a row.

Israel's airstrikes on Tuesday targeted the Lebanese capital, Beirut, with its target being the head of the Hezbollah missile unit, a defense source told Israeli media.

The attack killed about six people and left 15 others injured in Ghobeery, which is located on the southern outskirts of Beirut.

Two security sources in Lebanon said the attack killed Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Qubaisi. He is the head of Hezbollah's rocket division, as quoted by Reuters.

The Israeli military itself pledged to "accelerate offensive operations" after launching a massive airstrike targeting the Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon.

"Hezbollah should not be given a suspension of punishment," said Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, chief of military staff according to Israeli Defense Forces' statement, quoted by CNN.

"Continue to work with full strength. We will accelerate today's offensive operation and tighten all formations. This situation requires continuous and strong action in all arenas," he said.

Separately, Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad said at least 558 people were killed, including 50 children and 94 women, as a result of an Israeli attack on Monday.