Baghdad: Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for his far-right stance, has publicly urged the Israeli army to recommence its military actions against Beirut, Lebanon’s capital.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Ben-Gvir’s call to action came during an interview with Galei Yisrael radio, following a Hezbollah drone attack in southern Lebanon that left an Israeli officer and two soldiers seriously injured. Ben-Gvir expressed a desire for escalation, stating, “We cannot continue with the current situation, which is focusing on thwarting threats.”

Despite a “framework agreement” between Beirut and Tel Aviv signed on June 26, and ongoing negotiations, Israel continues its daily operations in Lebanon. Ben-Gvir emphasized the need for Israeli forces to have unrestricted movement, declaring, “This cat-and-mouse game must stop, and they must be crushed in Beirut as well.”

Israel had previously ceased its attacks on Beirut in April, following a request from Washington amidst ongoing negotiations with Tehran aimed at ending the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.