Israel Strikes Hezbollah Drone Sites Near Beirut
In a significant escalation of tensions, the Israeli military launched airstrikes on Thursday targeting Hezbollah-operated drone manufacturing sites in southern Lebanon and the suburbs of Beirut. The attacks mark Israel’s most intense military action in Lebanon since a U.S.-mediated ceasefire with Hezbollah in November 2024.
Strikes Hit Southern Suburbs and Drone Sites
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the operation focused on facilities connected to Hezbollah’s aerial unit, Unit 127, including alleged underground sites for producing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Several strikes hit the southern Beirut neighborhood of Dahieh—long considered a Hezbollah stronghold.
Reports from Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) confirmed that Israeli drones conducted a series of strikes, including more than seven initial warning explosions in residential areas. Other strikes targeted the town of Ain Qana in the Iklim al-Tuffah region, also believed to host Hezbollah infrastructure.
Residents Flee as Warnings Spark Panic
Before the attacks, the IDF issued public alerts urging civilians in affected neighborhoods—including Al-Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Burj Al-Barajneh—to evacuate immediately. Maps and satellite images were shared on social media, marking buildings allegedly tied to Hezbollah operations.
A second wave of warnings urged people to maintain at least a 500-meter distance from suspected targets. As a result, social media was flooded with videos of mass evacuations, showing long lines of vehicles fleeing the southern suburbs late into Thursday night.
The strikes came just hours before the start of Eid al-Adha, a major Islamic holiday celebrated across Lebanon. Traditionally, families gather on the eve of Eid, which made the timing of the strikes particularly distressing for many. The disruption during a sacred occasion added to the emotional toll on civilians in affected areas.
No Reported Casualties, but Tensions Soar
As of early Friday, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported no casualties from the airstrikes. However, the psychological and political impact has been significant. Firefighters were seen responding to blazes caused by the blasts, with debris scattered across the targeted zones.
Lebanon’s armed forces condemned the attacks and hinted at suspending cooperation with an international monitoring committee led by France and the United States. This committee oversees the implementation of ceasefire terms, including the demilitarization of Hezbollah south of the Litani River.
Lebanese Leaders Condemn Violations
President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam strongly criticized Israel’s actions, labeling them as clear violations of international law and humanitarian standards. Aoun called the airstrikes a “provocation” on the eve of a peaceful religious celebration and a breach of prior agreements.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to Lebanon’s criticism, stating that peace and stability in Beirut depend on the security of Israel. “Agreements must be honored,” he said. “If Lebanon fails to act, Israel will take further steps—with force if necessary.”
Background and Continuing Conflict
Despite the 2024 ceasefire, intermittent skirmishes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah have continued, especially in southern Lebanon. The targeted areas on Thursday had previously been bombed in March, further demonstrating the fragile nature of the current truce.
Prime Minister Salam’s new government has pledged to dismantle unauthorized armed groups, including Hezbollah and Palestinian factions. According to Salam, over 500 weapons caches have been seized in southern Lebanon in recent weeks.
As regional tensions continue to rise, the future of the ceasefire and Lebanon’s internal stability remain uncertain.
