Israeli Airstrikes Target Southern Beirut in Escalation with Hezbollah
Israeli airstrikes hit southern Beirut on Thursday, targeting Hezbollah strongholds in a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict. This comes after warnings issued by Israel to residents to evacuate.
The strikes followed Hezbollah’s unprecedented claim of targeting a military airbase in southern Israel as the open confrontation between the two sides continues into its second month.
Three Waves of Airstrikes
The National News Agency of Lebanon reported three separate waves of Israeli airstrikes in southern Beirut since dawn on Thursday. This followed a brief lull in hostilities since early Tuesday, coinciding with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein’s departure to Israel to mediate a potential ceasefire.
The strikes, captured live by Agence France-Presse, sent plumes of smoke rising over southern Beirut and its outskirts.
Targeted Areas
- Haret Hreik: Struck by three early-morning airstrikes targeting “command centers and military infrastructure,” according to the Israeli military.
- Al-Kafaat: Hit by two additional strikes, one of which caused the collapse of a building and damaged nearby structures.
- Hadath Area: Sustained three airstrikes, including one targeting Al-Jamous Street.
Later, the Israeli military confirmed a third series of strikes targeting “Hezbollah leadership facilities” in southern Beirut.
Evacuation Warnings and Hezbollah’s Response
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued multiple evacuation warnings for areas in Ghobeiry, with two of the three targeted buildings already hit.
In response, Hezbollah announced it had launched “precision missiles” at Israel’s Hatzor Airbase, located east of Ashdod in southern Israel, approximately 150 kilometers from the Lebanese border. This marked the group’s first attack on the strategically significant airbase.
Hezbollah also reported targeting Israeli soldiers and military positions near border towns, including Khiyam, where Israeli forces have been attempting to advance.
Broader Regional Impact
The airstrikes extended beyond Beirut, with Israeli forces targeting multiple areas in southern and eastern Lebanon. Notably:
- A building in the coastal city of Tyre.
- Three nearby locations received evacuation orders.
Escalating Tensions Amid Mediation Efforts
The intensified hostilities unfolded shortly after U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein left Lebanon for Israel. Hochstein has been spearheading mediation efforts for a ceasefire, but Thursday’s escalation underscores the fragile state of negotiations.
Conclusion
The latest airstrikes on southern Beirut represent a dangerous escalation in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, raising concerns about further destabilization in Lebanon and the broader region. As mediation efforts continue, the possibility of a wider conflict looms.
