Israel conducted an air strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sunday, targeting a building alleged to be used by the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group. This controversial attack took place despite a ceasefire that has been in effect for five months, aimed at ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel claimed the target was a storage site for "precision-guided missiles" that posed a direct threat to its citizens.
The Lebanese presidency swiftly condemned the air strike, calling for intervention from the United States and France—who brokered the ceasefire—to compel Israel to halt its military actions. This incident marks the first Israeli strike on the Dahieh area of Beirut in nearly a month, a region with a significant Hezbollah presence.
While Hezbollah has reportedly maintained compliance with the ceasefire, Israel continues to assert that it will respond firmly to any perceived threats from the group. Western officials have mentioned that Israel has conducted regular drone surveillance and air strikes despite the truce. Live footage from the scene displayed a large plume of smoke arising from the targeted area shortly after the evacuation order was issued by the Israeli Army.
Lebanon's Civil Defence reported that no casualties were recorded in the incident, as local rescue teams worked to extinguish the resulting fire. The Lebanese presidency criticized Israel's actions, stating that such attacks undermine regional stability and exacerbate tensions. The Israeli military stance emphasizes that this specific operation is a violation of the agreements in place and a necessary measure for national security.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office reiterated Israel’s position, stating, "The Dahiyeh neighborhood in Beirut will not serve as a safe haven for the terrorist organization Hezbollah." The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon expressed concerns over the strike, articulating a call for all parties to adhere to the cessation of hostilities.
Earlier this month, another Israeli airstrike in the same suburbs resulted in four fatalities, including a prominent Hezbollah official, further intensifying fears of a return to broader conflict in the region.
