The Israeli military has carried out airstrikes on Beirut‘s southern suburbs, targeting Hezbollah’s drone production facilities. The strikes occurred on the eve of Eid Al Adha, a significant Islamic holiday, despite a ceasefire being in effect between Israel and the armed group for the past six months.
According to the Israeli Defense Forces, the airstrikes were aimed at damaging Hezbollah’s ability to strike Israel, including production sites and warehouses of weapons in the Dahieh area. The IDF stated that Hezbollah’s “extensive use” of drones is central to its attacks on Israel, calling the activities “a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon”.
Thousands of people fled the densely populated area after evacuation warnings were issued, causing traffic gridlock and panic. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam strongly condemned the strikes, saying, “I consider them to constitute a systematic and deliberate attack on our homeland, its security, stability, and economy, especially on the eve of the holidays and the tourist season.” Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the strikes as a “flagrant violation of an international accord”.
The Israeli military’s Arabic spokesman, Avichay Adraee, ordered residents living in the neighborhoods of Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Borj el-Barajneh in the Dahieh area to evacuate, stating, “You are next to infrastructure belonging to Hezbollah.” The airstrikes sent plumes of smoke billowing over the district, with many residents fleeing to relatives’ homes or staying out in the streets.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has a long history, with the two sides engaging in an escalating conflict for 13 months from 2023-24. A ceasefire struck in late November between Israel and Lebanon, but not Hezbollah, saw Israel withdraw while the Lebanese army took over policing southern Lebanon. However, Israel has continued to carry out air strikes in Lebanon on targets it says are linked to Hezbollah.