01.06.2026 02:00
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is alleged to have requested permission from the U.S. administration to expand airstrikes on Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, despite the current ceasefire. It was claimed that during a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Washington administration showed a "more flexible and open" approach to Netanyahu's request. Meanwhile, it was stated that Israel would offer a "gradual withdrawal" from occupied areas on the condition that the Lebanese army takes action against Hezbollah.
It was claimed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested permission from the US administration to carry out airstrikes on Lebanon's capital Beirut despite the ceasefire.
WASHINGTON ADMINISTRATION'S ATTITUDE IS MORE OPEN AND FLEXIBLE THAN BEFORE
According to a report by Israel's Channel 12 television, citing an unnamed Israeli official, the phone call between Netanyahu and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday addressed attacks on Lebanon.
The Israeli official, who claims Netanyahu requested to expand attacks on Lebanon including Beirut during the call, argued that the Washington administration has shown a "more open and flexible" stance toward Israel's request compared to before.
The report claimed that Netanyahu communicated to Secretary of State Rubio that Tel Aviv cannot accept Beirut being perceived as a "protected zone" by Hezbollah.
No official statement has been made by the US or Israeli administrations regarding the content of the phone call.
LAST ATTACK WAS ON MAY 28
It is claimed that the Israeli army could not carry out airstrikes on Lebanon's capital Beirut due to pressure from US President Donald Trump.
The Israeli army last carried out an airstrike on the Shuwayfat area in southern Beirut on May 28, despite the ceasefire.
CLAIM THAT ISRAEL WILL OFFER "PHASED WITHDRAWAL" FROM OCCUPIED AREAS IN LEBANON
Meanwhile, in a report by Israeli state television KAN citing US sources, it was claimed that the Tel Aviv administration will offer to withdraw from occupied areas in Lebanon on the condition that Hezbollah takes action regarding disarmament.
US sources claimed that the Tel Aviv administration will bring this offer to the table during the fourth round of negotiations with Lebanon to be held in Washington on June 2 and 3.
The report stated that the offer involves the Israeli army gradually withdrawing from occupied territories as the Lebanese army increases operations against Hezbollah.
ISRAEL'S ATTACKS ON LEBANON AND THE CEASEFIRE PROCESS
The Israeli army launched intense airstrikes on Lebanon on March 2 and occupied many towns in the south of the country. The Lebanese government announced during this process that the number of internally displaced people exceeded 1 million.
US President Donald Trump announced on April 24 that the 10-day temporary ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, which came into effect on April 17, had been extended for another 3 weeks.
As a result of the third round of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, mediated by the US on May 14-15, it was decided to extend the ceasefire for another 45 days as of May 17 and to hold the fourth round of talks at the beginning of June.
In the latest statement from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, it was stated that a total of 3,371 people have lost their lives in attacks carried out by Israel on the country since March 2.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on May 25 that he had ordered the military to increase attacks on Lebanon.
Despite the ceasefire decision, the Israeli army continues its attacks and house demolitions in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah continues to target Israeli forces on the grounds that the ceasefire has been violated.