Israel seeks to strengthen its positions
Forecast: "Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko - in the geopolitical game. Also Russia, USA, Ukraine, and Israel, and their leaders" (published on May 21, 2026, link).
S. Dragan:
And yes, there may be events that temporarily give Israel a sense of victory. Especially, by the end of May 2026, Netanyahu will have his claims and aspirations to strengthen his positions.
By the end of May 2026, Netanyahu's claims and aspirations to strengthen his positions resurfaced.
The Israeli Prime Minister, during US-Iran negotiations, advocates the right to continue operations against perceived threats on all fronts, including Lebanon. This threatens to derail a potential agreement if Iran continues to insist on a complete end to Israel's military operations in the south of the country.
According to two knowledgeable Israeli officials who spoke to Reuters, Netanyahu's comments came in the context of the Jewish state having no involvement in the ceasefire negotiations in a conflict that began with joint US-Israeli bombings.
Despite the formally declared ceasefire between the US and Iran, which included a demand for peace in southern Lebanon, in Israel at the end of May, specifically on May 26, 2026, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are expanding their operation in Lebanon and taking control of strategic areas.
An Israeli army tank column crossed the Litani River and is advancing towards the city of Nabatieh - the administrative center of the same-named province in southern Lebanon. Crossing the Litani River is a strategically significant step in the Israeli operation in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli army artillery opened fire on the surroundings of the medieval Beaufort Castle below Nabatieh. Beaufort Castle is a medieval fortress from the 12th century, located on a high hill southeast of Nabatieh. In past conflicts (including the 2006 war) it has repeatedly been the site of battles.
The publication notes that the Israeli side plans to regain control over the fortress, which was under its control from 1982 to 2000 during the occupation of southern Lebanon.
Escalation in southern Lebanon occurs despite the ongoing ceasefire regime since April, which the sides regularly violate. Israel justifies its actions as the need to push Hezbollah militants away from the border and ensure the security of its northern territories. Lebanese authorities condemn Israeli strikes and call for international intervention.
On May 29, 2026, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed the army to expand its presence in Gaza, according to Bloomberg. Speaking at a conference in the West Bank, the politician stated: "Currently, we are squeezing Hamas. We control 60% of the Gaza Strip, and my directive is to increase this figure to 70%."
The execution timeline of the order is not specified. According to the US-backed ceasefire terms that came into effect in October 2025, 53% of the enclave was under Israeli military control. It was expected that troops would gradually leave the region while disarming Palestinian factions.
On May 29, 2026, it marked 30 years since Benjamin Netanyahu first became the Prime Minister of Israel.
In assessing the current policies of the Israeli Prime Minister, FP writes that a new Netanyahu has emerged in Israel. Ambitious, more decisive, and ruthless, this politician will stop at nothing to plunge the region into flames.
Netanyahu's tendency to sow divisions during election campaigns for the past thirty years has borne fruit.
