Israel has issued a stark warning of intensifying military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, following a deadly air strike that claimed four lives, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry. Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, Israel continues to station troops in five strategic areas in southern Lebanon and has sustained regular strikes against the militant group. Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that Hezbollah is ‘playing with fire’ and criticized the Lebanese government for its inaction in disarming the group. Katz vowed that Israel would ‘continue and even intensify’ its enforcement to safeguard its northern residents. The conflict traces back to October 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, prompting a prolonged confrontation that displaced thousands of Israelis near the northern border. Although Hezbollah has been significantly weakened by the war, it remains armed and financially resilient. In September 2024, Israel eliminated the group’s longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, along with several senior figures. Since the ceasefire, the United States has pressured Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, a move opposed by the group and its allies. Recent escalations include a deadly Israeli ground raid into southern Lebanon, which Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned, ordering the army to counter such incursions. Aoun had previously called for talks with Israel, but accused the latter of responding with intensified air strikes, including the latest attack in Nabatiyeh district. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating it targeted a Hezbollah operative involved in weapon transfers and efforts to rebuild the group’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon.