Israel conducted a new wave of airstrikes last night on the southern suburbs of Beirut, arguing that there was an underground drone production center run by Hezbollah. Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) argued that the targeted unit was making “thousands” of drones, purportedly with Iranian terrorists’ funding.
The attacks took place in Dahieh, a highly populated Hezbollah bastion in Beirut. The attack came hours after the Israeli army ordered evacuations from Hadath’s buildings, Haret Hreik, and Borj el-Barajneh. The raids drove residents from their homes and resulted in huge traffic jams as the neighborhood panicked.
Ceasefire Broke as Leaders Denounce Strike
The bombardment, which occurred on the eve of Eid Al-Adha, happened in spite of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that had already been in place since November 2024. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the airstrikes as a “systematic and deliberate attack” of Lebanon’s “security, stability, and economy.”
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also reflected the criticism, terming the air raids a “flagrant violation of an international accord,” particularly serious as they came ahead of a grand religious celebration.
UN and International Reaction on Israel Aistrike
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Office voiced alarm at the renewed fighting, saying the airstrikes “created renewed panic and fear on the eve of Eid Al-Adha.” UN envoy Jeannine Hennis called for all sides to find diplomatic solutions to resolve conflict and prevent risky escalation.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz welcomed what he described as the “perfect execution” of the operation and repeated that the Lebanese government is “directly responsible” for ensuring
Hezbollah’s infringements are prevented. The IDF contended that Hezbollah’s extensive use of drones is a flagrant violation of ceasefire agreements.
History of Escalation and Ongoing Tensions with Israel
The most recent incident rekindles tensions from the 2023–24 war, in which Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon allegedly killed 4,000 individuals and displaced more than 1.2 million. Although the ceasefire was achieved in November and the Lebanese army took control of southern areas, fighting has continued intermittently.
Over the past few months, Israel has made repeated attacks on Dahieh, saying it is targeting Hezbollah’s missile caches and leadership. Lebanon’s government argues these incidents breach the truce and create further instability in the region.
Hezbollah has so far not made an official statement regarding the recent cycle of attacks. The Lebanese military has warned that it will suspend partial cooperation with the body monitoring the ceasefire in reaction to repeated Israeli breaches.
