World

Israel is 'at war with Hezbollah': Netanyahu

By AAP Newswire

May 26, 2026

The bodies of people who were killed on Tuesday in Israeli airstrikes — Benjamin Netanyahu says Israeli forces killed more than 600 Hezbollah fighters in recent weeks. -AP

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel is "at war with Hezbollah" and has vowed to step up attacks on the Iran-backed militia after a surge in drone strikes.

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The Hezbollah militia is attacking Israel with various types of drones, Netanyahu said in a video statement on Telegram. A special team was working to address the problem, he added.

According to the prime minister, Israeli forces have killed more than 600 Hezbollah fighters in recent weeks. Netanyahu described members of the Shiite militia as terrorists.

"But we are not taking our foot off the gas," Netanyahu said.

"On the contrary, I have instructed them to press the pedal even harder."

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said on X that it had attacked Hezbollah targets in the Bekaa Valley and other parts of Lebanon. Earlier, the military reported two further Hezbollah drone attacks on northern Israel. No injuries were reported.

According to Israeli media reports, the military has so far not found a solution to the drone attacks.

A ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been in place since mid-April. However, cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah has continued, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Fatalities are still reported almost daily in Lebanon.

The Israeli military continues to maintain troops in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah refuses to negotiate with Israel.