Israeli Airstrikes Target Southern Beirut and Surrounding Areas
Intensified military activity raises concerns of renewed conflict in Lebanon as Israeli forces conduct strikes on Hezbollah positions.
Israeli airstrikes have escalated tensions in Lebanon, targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut and other areas in the south.
The Israeli military has stated that these operations aim to dismantle facilities reportedly utilized by Hezbollah for the manufacture and storage of drones.
The latest strikes follow a series of threats from Israeli officials regarding further military action if Hezbollah's weapons are not surrendered to authorities.
On the previous day, the Israeli Air Force announced attacks on underground installations believed to be linked to Hezbollah, raising the total number of airstrikes to eight since the beginning of the latest escalation.
Among the affected areas was the town of Ain Qana, which experienced a strike resulting in the injury of three Lebanese individuals.
Additionally, Israeli forces executed 12 warning strikes near buildings identified as potential targets in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Reports indicate that Israeli warplanes have been observed flying at medium altitude over the regions of Rashaya and West Bekaa in eastern Lebanon.
There were accounts of heavy gunfire in the southern suburbs, which was directed at warning residents in response to the Israeli threats.
The area also experienced substantial civilian displacement following these developments.
In a military response to the situation, the Lebanese army reported that it had filled in a trench, approximately 200 meters long, that had been dug by Israeli forces on the outskirts of the town of Mais al-Jabal, located in southern Lebanon.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has pledged continued military operations in Lebanon, emphasizing that stability in Beirut and across Lebanon cannot be achieved without Israeli security being upheld.
He underscored the importance of adhering to agreements and warned that failure to do so would result in intensified military actions from Israel.
In response to the escalating hostilities, the Lebanese army’s command issued a statement indicating that further Israeli aggressions could lead to a cessation of cooperation with monitoring mechanisms intended to enforce a ceasefire.
The statement highlighted increasing concerns over Israeli violations, which have become a daily occurrence, particularly the targeting of populated areas.
The Lebanese army reaffirmed its commitment to uphold state authority and protect the security of Lebanon and its citizens.
A Lebanese military official revealed that Israeli forces had prevented the Lebanese army from inspecting a site in the southern suburbs of Beirut prior to the airstrike.
The official, who requested anonymity, noted that the Israelis had communicated concerning potential targets without providing prior notification through official oversight channels.
When the Lebanese army attempted to address the location mentioned by Israeli sources, warning strikes hindered their progress.
The series of events has raised alarms about the potential for broader conflict, with both military and civilian ramifications evident in the region.