Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on the 25th (local time) that he instructed the Israel Defense Forces to intensify their offensive against Hezbollah, the pro-Iran armed faction in Lebanon.
As it is known that a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) being discussed by the United States and Iran to extend a cease-fire also includes a plan to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah, attention is focusing on how Netanyahu's remarks will affect the U.S.-Iran talks.
According to local daily Times of Israel, Netanyahu said in a video statement that day, "We are at war with Hezbollah," adding, "In recent weeks our brave fighters have eliminated more than 600 terrorists."
He added, "We will never slow down," and emphasized, "On the contrary, I have instructed them to press the pedal harder."
Netanyahu said Hezbollah is continuing drone attacks and that Israel is operating a dedicated team to respond. He added, "What we need now is to increase the intensity of the attacks and reinforce our troops," and said, "We will deal them a decisive blow."
Meanwhile, Agence France-Presse (AFP), citing the National News Agency (NNA) of Lebanon, reported that three people were killed in Israeli airstrikes targeting several villages in southern Lebanon that day.
Israel and Lebanon entered a cease-fire on Apr. 18, but clashes have continued.
An Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson said on social media (SNS) that day that "Hezbollah violated the cease-fire agreement, leaving the Israel Defense Forces no choice but to respond with force."