Israel Strikes Hezbollah Target in Beirut, Raising Regional Tensions
Beirut, Lebanon – In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, Israel launched an airstrike on a Hezbollah-linked site in southern Beirut on Friday, marking the first attack on Lebanon’s capital since the November ceasefire. Israeli officials claimed the strike targeted a Hezbollah drone storage facility in Dahiyeh, a district known as a stronghold of the Iran-backed militant group.
Eyewitnesses reported a loud explosion and plumes of smoke rising from the area, which includes residential buildings, commercial establishments, and two schools. The Israeli military defended the operation, arguing that Hezbollah has embedded military assets within civilian areas and insisted that prior warnings were issued for residents to evacuate.
Rising Border Tensions
The attack follows a series of cross-border hostilities, with rocket fire from Lebanon striking northern Israeli territories earlier this week. Hezbollah has denied involvement in the rocket strikes, accusing Israel of fabricating pretexts to justify its military aggression.
“If there is no peace in Israel’s northern communities, there will be no peace in Beirut,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared, emphasizing Israel’s intent to respond forcefully to any security threats.
In reaction to the airstrike, Lebanon’s government ordered the closure of schools and universities in affected areas. Videos from the scene depicted panicked residents evacuating, with traffic congestion and chaos engulfing parts of the city. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who was in Paris at the time, strongly condemned the attack, labeling it a violation of the U.S.- and France-brokered ceasefire agreement.
Civilian Casualties and Regional Fallout
Beyond Beirut, Israeli airstrikes hit the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Tibnit, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to 18 others, including women and children, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, expressed grave concerns over the escalation, warning that the region is at a “critical juncture” and calling for restraint from both sides.
This latest flare-up is part of broader hostilities linked to Hezbollah’s military engagement against Israel following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack. That assault, which left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage, triggered Israel’s extensive military campaign in Gaza. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, Israeli operations have since killed more than 50,000 people, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Israel insists it will continue military operations until Hamas releases the remaining 59 hostages and relinquishes control of Gaza. However, Hamas has maintained its position, demanding a permanent ceasefire, a full prisoner exchange, and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.
Despite ceasefire agreements, Israel has maintained a military presence in Lebanese territories and has conducted frequent airstrikes in the region, including last week’s attack that killed six individuals. Analysts fear that the latest Israeli strike on Beirut may push Lebanon further into instability, potentially igniting a broader regional conflict.
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Israel Strikes Hezbollah Target in Beirut, Raising Regional Tensions