Former Mossad official urges forceful Lebanon strikes, warns against all-out war

Former Mossad counterterrorism chief Oded Eilam urged Israel to intensify strikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, emphasizing the need to act without declaring an end to the current ceasefire. Speaking on Thursday, Eilam advised striking "with force anywhere in southern Lebanon where we identify any kind of organizing, without any reservations and without any restrictions."

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I would recommend striking with force anywhere in southern Lebanon where we identify any kind of organizing, without any reservations and without any restrictions.

However, Eilam cautioned against escalating to an all-out war. He specifically recommended against targeted killings of senior Hezbollah figures or attacks in Beirut's Dahiyeh neighborhood, viewing such actions as breaking the established rules of engagement. "I would not recommend that Israel take the gloves off at this stage, declare that the rules have been broken, and return to fighting until Hezbollah is completely destroyed," he stated.

Eilam also touched upon the importance of ongoing talks with Lebanon, even though they ended unexpectedly. He believes these discussions are significant for bolstering international legitimacy for Lebanese sovereignty. "Over time, it matters that we, and not only we but the world, give significant legitimacy to the idea that there is one sovereign authority, and that is Lebanon," he explained.

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I would not recommend that Israel take the gloves off at this stage, declare that the rules have been broken, and return to fighting until Hezbollah is completely destroyed.

The former official also briefly commented on US President Donald Trump's business record, noting past bankruptcies, though the relevance to the security discussion was not elaborated upon in the provided text.

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Over time, it matters that we, and not only we but the world, give significant legitimacy to the idea that there is one sovereign authority, and that is Lebanon.