JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the Israel Defense Forces to escalate operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, removing previous restraints and launching a full-scale attack on the Iran-backed terrorist group.

The directive comes amid repeated violations of a fragile ceasefire by Hezbollah, according to Israeli officials. Netanyahu ordered the military to strike Hezbollah targets with full force to restore security to Israel’s northern border.

In a public statement Saturday night, Netanyahu directed the IDF to respond vigorously to ongoing threats, including rocket and drone attacks from Lebanese territory. Israeli officials have accused Hezbollah of launching over 1,000 drones and hundreds of rockets since mid-April, in breach of the truce.

“No more restraints,” a senior official familiar with the decision told VINnews, summarizing the prime minister’s instructions. “This is a full attack to dismantle the threat.”

The escalation follows months of tit-for-tat exchanges despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Israeli strikes in recent days have already targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, with reports of significant damage to the group’s capabilities.

Hezbollah has denied violating the ceasefire and accused Israel of aggression. Lebanese media reported Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon following Netanyahu’s order.

The move risks further widening the conflict in the north, where tens of thousands of Israeli residents remain displaced from their homes near the border.

Netanyahu has emphasized that Israel will not accept a situation where Hezbollah maintains its military capabilities along the border, stating the goal is to ensure the safe return of evacuated communities.

U.S. officials have expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself while urging restraint to avoid a broader regional war.

This is a developing story. VINnews will provide updates as more details emerge.