On Thursday, the Israeli military launched airstrikes on what it claimed were Hezbollah-operated drone manufacturing facilities located in southern Lebanon and areas surrounding Beirut, with visible smoke plumes rising over the Lebanese capital.
This operation marked one of Israel’s most significant escalations in Lebanon since a ceasefire agreement, mediated by the United States, was reached between Israel and Hezbollah in November 2024.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strikes targeted “terror infrastructure” associated with Hezbollah’s aerial division, particularly in Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli drones were involved in the attacks, stating that over seven warning strikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs. The agency also confirmed that a drone strike was carried out in Ain Qana, a town in the Iklim al-Tuffah region.
As of early Friday, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported no casualties linked to the strikes.
Prior to the attack, the Israeli military had issued warnings about potential operations in the area, citing the presence of alleged underground facilities used by Hezbollah to manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted an urgent alert on social media Thursday, advising residents in Al-Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Burj Al-Barajneh to evacuate any buildings marked in red on attached maps and keep a distance of at least 300 meters from the sites.
Later, a second warning was issued, this time accompanied by a satellite image showing highlighted areas claimed to be Hezbollah-related locations. Residents were urged to evacuate and maintain a 500-meter safety distance.
These warnings caused significant panic, with videos circulating online showing residents fleeing southern Beirut in large numbers as the Muslim community prepared to celebrate Eid al-Adha on Friday. The eve of the holiday, which is typically observed by many in Lebanon, fell on Thursday night.
Following the strikes, Lebanon’s military warned it might halt cooperation with a U.S.- and French-led monitoring group that oversees the ceasefire, which includes stipulations for disarming Hezbollah.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam both denounced the attacks. Aoun described them as a “clear breach” of international law and agreements, particularly as they occurred just before a major religious celebration.
In response, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz criticized Aoun’s comments, stating that peace in Beirut and stability in Lebanon are not possible without ensuring Israel’s security. He emphasized that agreements must be upheld, warning that Israel would continue to act forcefully if necessary.
Lebanon’s recently established government has pledged to dismantle armed groups, including Hezbollah and Palestinian factions. Prime Minister Salam recently announced that 500 weapons had been seized from north of the Litani River in southern Lebanon.
Israel previously struck the same Hezbollah-dominated district in March. Although a ceasefire was negotiated in late 2024, Israel has continued its campaign targeting Hezbollah assets in southern Lebanon.
Source: CNN
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