Radical Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to intensify military action against Lebanon, including the “flattening” of Beirut’s southern suburbs, amid escalating hostilities in the region.

In a video posted on Instagram, Ben-Gvir, who is National Security Minister, said he had opposed the ceasefire with Lebanon and argued in favour of stronger strikes on areas around the Lebanese capital.

Addressing Netanyahu directly, he said: “Dear Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I love and appreciate you, but now is the time to level the suburbs to the ground.”

The minister also expressed appreciation for US President Donald Trump, thanking him for what he described as a partnership.

In response to ongoing Israeli strikes, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said in a televised address on Saturday that Israel is pursuing a “scorched-earth policy,” accusing it of destroying towns and villages and displacing residents.

Tensions between Israel and Lebanon have continued to rise amid ongoing cross-border hostilities and renewed military operations in the region.