Netanyahu vows continued strikes on Hezbollah targets amid US–Iran tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

International, Middle East

INTERNATIONAL — 15 April 2026 (NPA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) will intensify operations against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.

In a televised address on Wednesday, Netanyahu said he had instructed the military to press forward with its campaign, including efforts to capture the strategic town of Bint Jbeil, which he claimed is close to falling under Israeli control. He added that Israel would continue to expand its security zone along the border.

Netanyahu also noted that the United States has been keeping Israel updated on its contacts with Iran regarding ongoing ceasefire negotiations. He stressed that Israel’s objectives are aligned with those of Washington. “In anticipation of the possibility that the fighting will resume, we are prepared for any scenario,” he said.

Meanwhile, US–Iran ceasefire talks held in Islamabad earlier this week ended without agreement. After marathon negotiations lasting more than 21 hours, US officials said Tehran refused to accept Washington’s truce terms, while Iran insisted it did not expect a deal in the first meeting. The failure has left the fragile ceasefire uncertain, with the US military warning of possible escalations, including a blockade of Iranian ports.

Consequently, US President Donald Trump ordered the blockade of Iranian ports, cutting off Tehran’s ability to export its main source of revenue and dealing a heavy blow to its economy. Iran, however, has condemned the move, describing it as an affront to international law, vowing resistance.