Israel has conducted air strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs, claiming to target Hezbollah's drone production facilities. The attacks came just hours before the religious holiday Eid Al-Adha, a time typically reserved for celebrations and communal gatherings. Residents of the area received evacuation warnings prior to the strikes, leading to chaotic scenes as thousands fled the densely populated neighborhoods, causing significant traffic congestion.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that they identified a Hezbollah unit engaged in the underground production of "thousands" of drones, attributing funding to Iranian sources. This operation took place despite a six-month ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, a situation that has prompted severe backlash from Lebanese officials. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the strikes as a "systematic and deliberate attack" on Lebanon's sovereignty and stability.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed deep concern over the strikes occurring "on the eve of a sacred religious festival," which has intensified fears amongst the populace. The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon highlighted the heightened panic it generated, emphasizing the need for diplomatic resolution to conflicts rather than escalations through military action.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz lauded the operations' "perfect execution" but stressed the responsibility of the Lebanese government in preventing violations of the ceasefire and related terror activities. The IDF maintains that Hezbollah's extensive use of drones poses a significant threat, characterizing their actions as violations of past agreements between Israel and Lebanon.
Hours preceding the strikes, the Israeli military's Arabic spokesman issued evacuation orders for neighborhoods in the Dahieh area, warning residents of the proximity to Hezbollah-related infrastructure, and mapping out specific targeted buildings.
The historical context reveals that Israel and Hezbollah have experienced escalations over several months, leading to widespread casualties and displacement since conflicts escalated after Hezbollah's rocket fire in solidarity with Palestinian actions on October 8, 2023. The ceasefire reached in November has not fully halted Israeli military engagements against Hezbollah targets, including drone production facilities.
As tensions continue to simmer, the region awaits responses from Hezbollah, as well as further action or diplomacy from both the Lebanese government and international stakeholders.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that they identified a Hezbollah unit engaged in the underground production of "thousands" of drones, attributing funding to Iranian sources. This operation took place despite a six-month ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, a situation that has prompted severe backlash from Lebanese officials. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the strikes as a "systematic and deliberate attack" on Lebanon's sovereignty and stability.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed deep concern over the strikes occurring "on the eve of a sacred religious festival," which has intensified fears amongst the populace. The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon highlighted the heightened panic it generated, emphasizing the need for diplomatic resolution to conflicts rather than escalations through military action.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz lauded the operations' "perfect execution" but stressed the responsibility of the Lebanese government in preventing violations of the ceasefire and related terror activities. The IDF maintains that Hezbollah's extensive use of drones poses a significant threat, characterizing their actions as violations of past agreements between Israel and Lebanon.
Hours preceding the strikes, the Israeli military's Arabic spokesman issued evacuation orders for neighborhoods in the Dahieh area, warning residents of the proximity to Hezbollah-related infrastructure, and mapping out specific targeted buildings.
The historical context reveals that Israel and Hezbollah have experienced escalations over several months, leading to widespread casualties and displacement since conflicts escalated after Hezbollah's rocket fire in solidarity with Palestinian actions on October 8, 2023. The ceasefire reached in November has not fully halted Israeli military engagements against Hezbollah targets, including drone production facilities.
As tensions continue to simmer, the region awaits responses from Hezbollah, as well as further action or diplomacy from both the Lebanese government and international stakeholders.
