Britain urges ceasefire respect as Israel targets Iranian-backed terror infrastructure threatening northern civilians”
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized Israel’s counterterrorism operations in Lebanon on Sunday, while also calling on Hezbollah to stop attacking Israel and disarm.
Cooper claimed Israel’s military escalation in Lebanon has killed and displaced civilians, destroyed infrastructure and narrowed the space for diplomacy. She said the escalation must end, but added that Hezbollah must also halt attacks on Israel and lay down its weapons.
Her remarks came after the IDF announced a major operation in the Beaufort Ridge and Wadi al-Saluki area of southern Lebanon, aimed at dismantling Hezbollah terror infrastructure and eliminating terrorists.
The IDF said the operation began several days earlier, with significant ground forces working to expand the Forward Defense Line. The mission was approved by the Chief of Staff after detailed planning, preparatory fire and operational coordination led by Northern Command.
According to the IDF, Hezbollah used the Beaufort Ridge to manage military activity and launch repeated attacks. Israeli forces are also targeting launch sites from which hundreds of rockets were fired at Israeli civilians and soldiers.
While Cooper called for diplomacy, Hezbollah continued violating the ceasefire on Sunday, expanding rocket fire toward northern Israel and targeting Akko. In another attack, four IDF soldiers were lightly wounded when a Hezbollah explosive drone detonated in Beit Hillel.
Israel’s message remains firm: Hezbollah cannot fire on Israeli civilians, hide behind Lebanon and expect immunity from military action.
