News imageWeekend, Weekend, Lebanese PM accuses Israel of pursuing ‘scorched-earth policy’

Weekend

Weekend

Lebanese PM accuses Israel of pursuing ‘scorched-earth policy’

31 May 2026

50 minutes

Available for over a year

Israel's military says it is expanding into additional areas in southern Lebanon, after ground troops crossed the river Litani. Ahead of the troops' move, the Israeli air force conducted extensive strikes against Hezbollah targets north of the river. The military also announced that one of its soldiers was killed in a drone attack by Hezbollah.

Also in the programme: Iran changes World Cup base; and will a woman lead the UN?

Presenter Julian Worricker is joined by Helene von Bismarck, historian and author, Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society; and Patrick Bishop, military author, journalist and historian.

(Photo: Smoke billows from southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike, as seen from Marjayoun, Lebanon, 31 May, 2026. Credit: Reuters)