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Israeli Airstrike Targets Beirut Suburbs, Heightening Tensions
Beirut, Lebanon – In a marked escalation, Israeli forces executed an airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a known stronghold of Hezbollah. This is the first such aerial assault on the area since a ceasefire agreement with the group was established in November. The Israeli military reported targeting a drone storage facility utilized by Hezbollah on Friday, after issuing an evacuation notice that triggered widespread apprehension.
Details of the Beirut Strike
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike targeted a Hezbollah drone storage unit. This action followed an evacuation warning issued for a building in the Hadath sector of the Lebanese capital. Videos emerged depicting residents fleeing in panic, and schools in the vicinity were reportedly ordered to evacuate.
Rocket Fire Precedes Israeli Action
This military operation transpired hours after two rockets were launched from southern Lebanon towards northern Israel. Israel claimed to have intercepted one projectile, while the other failed to cross the border. Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the rocket fire.
Accusations of Ceasefire Violation
Israel has characterized the Beirut airstrike as a “violation” of the existing ceasefire. Similarly, the office of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also denounced Israel’s action as a “breach of the agreement.”
IDF Statement on the Beirut Operation
In a statement released on social media, the IDF asserted that the preceding rocket attack, to which they were responding, “constitutes a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon and poses a direct threat to the civilians of the State of Israel.” The IDF further stated, “The State of Lebanon bears responsibility for upholding the agreement.”
Lebanese Condemnation and Call for International Intervention
The Lebanese Presidency communicated via social media platform X that President Aoun, currently in Paris for diplomatic engagements, briefed French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as the presidents of Cyprus and the prime minister of Greece. President Aoun conveyed that “the Israeli attacks on the southern suburb and the threats are a continuation of Israel’s violation of the agreement sponsored by France and the US.”
The Lebanese statement further emphasized, “The international community must put an end to these attacks and force Israel to abide by the agreement, just as Lebanon is committed to it.”
Fragile Ceasefire Under Strain
These recent developments intensify the pressure on the delicate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, a significant political and militant organization backed by Iran. Despite the heightened tensions, the current agreement is presently expected to hold.
Challenges to Lebanese Authority in the South
Friday’s incident underscores the persistent challenges faced by Lebanese authorities in maintaining control over southern regions of the country. Militant groups have maintained an active presence in this area for decades. While Hezbollah is the dominant force, other factions, including Palestinian groups like Hamas and Islamic Jihad, also operate within southern Lebanon.
Ongoing Tensions Despite Ceasefire
Despite the ceasefire accord, Israel has reportedly conducted almost daily airstrikes targeting individuals and locations it alleges are linked to Hezbollah. Israel justifies these actions as necessary to prevent Hezbollah from rearming. Conversely, the Lebanese government contends that these Israeli strikes, along with the continued presence of Israeli soldiers in several locations within southern Lebanon, constitute violations of the truce.
Recent Cross-Border Firings
The rocket fire directed at Israel on Friday marks the second instance of such an attack originating from Lebanon within a week.
Previous Israeli Response in March
On March 22nd, Israel launched multiple airstrikes into Lebanon following rocket launches from Lebanese territory into Israel. The Israeli military reported that it had struck numerous rocket launchers and a command center attributed to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Casualties Reported in March Strikes
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that seven individuals, including a child, were killed, and 40 others sustained injuries in the Israeli airstrikes conducted on March 22nd.
Hezbollah Denies Involvement in Prior Attacks
Hezbollah has disclaimed any connection to the rocket attacks preceding the March Israeli strikes, reiterating its commitment to the ceasefire. No other armed group has claimed responsibility for these incidents.
Background to the November Ceasefire
The ceasefire established in November brought an end to over 13 months of sustained conflict.
Hezbollah’s Campaign Following Hamas Attacks
Hezbollah initiated its campaign the day after the Hamas attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, stating its actions were in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Escalation of the Longstanding Conflict
This protracted conflict witnessed a significant escalation, featuring an intensive Israeli air campaign across Lebanon and a ground incursion into southern Lebanon.
Humanitarian Impact of the Conflict
The offensive resulted in approximately 4,000 fatalities in Lebanon, a substantial number of whom were civilians. Furthermore, it led to the displacement of over 1.2 million residents.
Israel’s Stated Objectives
Israel articulated that its objective in the conflict against Hezbollah was to facilitate the return of roughly 60,000 residents displaced from communities in northern Israel due to Hezbollah‘s attacks, and to remove the group from border areas.