Israel launched a significant military operation in Beirut on Friday, targeting the Lebanese capital for the first time since a ceasefire concluded the recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict last November. Explosions rocked the city’s southern suburbs, where smoke was seen billowing from a region known to house Hezbollah facilities. Israel’s military confirmed the strike aimed at a Hezbollah drone storage facility in Dahiyeh, labeling it a stronghold for militants.
The attack on Beirut came as a response from Israel after rockets were reportedly fired from Lebanon into northern Israel. Israeli officials asserted that these attacks would persist unless the Lebanese government took action to halt such aggressions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would strike across Lebanon to counter any perceived threats to Israeli security.
Although Hezbollah denied launching the rockets, the incident underscored ongoing tensions as the militant group accused Israel of using the situation as a pretext for further military operations. In the aftermath, Lebanese officials closed all educational institutions in the southern suburb of Hadath, reflecting the gravity of the situation as residents hurried to evacuate the area.
The current hostilities trace back to Hezbollah’s aggressive actions, firing rockets, drones, and missiles toward Israel following the violent altercations between Hamas and Israeli forces in Gaza. The initial attack by Palestinian militants involved in the 2023 conflict resulted in significant casualties, exacerbating the already fragile situation.
Last September, the longstanding conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified into a full-scale war, characterized by severe Israeli airstrikes that targeted and eliminated many high-ranking Hezbollah leaders. These escalations led to numerous casualties, with thousands in Lebanon losing their lives and forcing the displacement of a substantial number of Israelis.
Even under the conditions of a ceasefire, Israel has continued military actions within Lebanese borders, citing defense against Hezbollah targets. Recent airstrikes have led to additional fatalities, further contributing to the regional instability.
International reactions to the resurgence in violence have been swift. Lebanon’s President, Joseph Aoun, condemned the actions as violations of agreements sponsored by France and the U.S. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron deemed Israel’s latest military actions unacceptable, vowing to engage in discussions with key international leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, to address the situation.
Meanwhile, Israel has faced pressure from the U.S. to handle its regional conflicts with restraint. However, the Israeli government maintains a robust stance, emphasizing its right to defend against ongoing rocket threats. The U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon highlighted the severity of the escalating conflict, terming it a critical juncture for Lebanon and the broader region.
Fatalities resulting from the Israeli airstrikes extend beyond Beirut, with attacks elsewhere in Lebanon claiming additional lives and leaving many, including women and children, wounded. This heightened aggression occurs in the broader context of Israel’s contentious ceasefire breakdown with Hamas, where significant casualties ensued after Israeli operations in Gaza.
The protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas involves complex negotiations over hostages and prisoners, with ongoing demands from both sides for respective concessions. Amidst this turmoil, ongoing violence continues to exact a devastating toll on civilian populations, as highlighted by rising casualties reported by health officials in Gaza.