Jerusalem, Israel (May 26, 2026)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel remains in an active war against Hezbollah, pledging to intensify military pressure as the terror group increases drone and rocket attacks along the northern front.

Netanyahu said Israeli forces have killed more than 600 Hezbollah terrorists in recent weeks, describing the ongoing campaign as necessary to prevent the Iran-backed group from regaining strength near Israel’s border. He said Israel would continue expanding operations rather than easing its response.

The remarks came as Israeli forces carried out a broader wave of strikes against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, including weapons sites, command infrastructure, and launch areas used in recent attacks. The military campaign follows a sharp rise in Hezbollah drone activity, including the use of FPV drones that have posed a growing challenge for Israeli troops operating near the border.

Israeli officials say specialized teams are working on new ways to counter the drone threat, which has become one of Hezbollah’s most persistent tools in the current fighting. The aircraft are difficult to stop because of their small size, maneuverability, and ability to strike soldiers, vehicles, and border communities with precision.

The escalation has further strained an already fragile ceasefire framework between Israel and Lebanon. While diplomatic efforts continue to prevent a wider regional conflict, Hezbollah’s attacks have fueled calls inside Israel for a more aggressive military response.

American officials have also signaled that Israel may have broader room to act if Hezbollah continues targeting Israeli forces and civilians. That position comes as Washington-backed talks seek to strengthen Lebanese state control and reduce the influence of armed groups operating outside the government’s authority.

For residents of northern Israel, the renewed fighting has extended months of uncertainty and disruption. Israeli leaders say the goal remains restoring security to the border region and ensuring that displaced families can safely return home.

Netanyahu’s latest comments indicate that Israel does not view the current round of fighting as a limited exchange, but as an ongoing campaign to weaken Hezbollah’s military capabilities and deter further attacks.