- Israel launched an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburb, Dahiyeh, targeting a Hezbollah drone storage facility.
- The attack followed the interception of two rockets fired from Lebanon into northern Israel.
- Lebanon’s president condemned the strike, warning of escalating tensions in the region.
For the first time since the November 2024 ceasefire, Israel has struck Beirut, targeting what it claims was a Hezbollah drone storage facility in Dahiyeh. The attack came in response to rockets launched from Lebanon into northern Israel earlier that day, though Hezbollah has denied responsibility.
The escalation has raised concerns about the stability of the ceasefire, with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun calling for international intervention.
Renewed Conflict? Israel’s Airstrike on Beirut Sparks Tensions
Israel’s military operation in Beirut’s Dahiyeh neighborhood signals an alarming escalation in hostilities. The targeted strike on what Israel called a Hezbollah drone storage facility was a direct response to rocket fire from Lebanon, though Hezbollah has denied involvement. This attack follows a pattern of continuous Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, but a strike on Beirut itself is a rare and significant move.
In response, Lebanon has closed schools and universities in the affected area, with its government condemning the attack. The airstrike also prompted evacuations as residents scrambled to leave, fearing further retaliation. The attack has deepened concerns about a potential breakdown of the ceasefire, as both sides accuse each other of provocation.
Israeli officials have justified the strike as a necessary measure against Hezbollah’s military buildup, while Hezbollah has framed it as an unjustified act of aggression. With tensions rising, there are growing fears that the fragile ceasefire could completely unravel, leading to wider regional conflict.
The international community has reacted with calls for restraint, urging both parties to avoid further escalation. Diplomats are monitoring the situation closely, with some pushing for renewed negotiations to prevent further hostilities. However, given the volatile nature of the conflict, the risk of a broader war remains high.
This latest strike on Beirut not only intensifies the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah but also tests the resilience of the ceasefire agreement. If tensions continue to escalate, the region could be on the brink of another prolonged and devastating confrontation.
“An eye for an eye will only make the whole world blind.” — Mahatma Gandhi
