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Israel Airstrikes Hit Southern Beirut on Eve of Eid Al-Adha, Target Hezbollah

June 6, 2025, 9:32 pm

Israel conducted a new wave of airstrikes last night on the southern suburbs of Beirut, arguing that there was an underground drone production center run by Hezbollah. Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) argued that the targeted unit was making “thousands” of drones, purportedly with Iranian terrorists’ funding.

The attacks took place in Dahieh, a highly populated Hezbollah bastion in Beirut. The attack came hours after the Israeli army ordered evacuations from Hadath’s buildings, Haret Hreik, and Borj el-Barajneh. The raids drove residents from their homes and resulted in huge traffic jams as the neighborhood panicked.

Ceasefire Broke as Leaders Denounce Strike

The bombardment, which occurred on the eve of Eid Al-Adha, happened in spite of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that had already been in place since November 2024. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the airstrikes as a “systematic and deliberate attack” of Lebanon’s “security, stability, and economy.”

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also reflected the criticism, terming the air raids a “flagrant violation of an international accord,” particularly serious as they came ahead of a grand religious celebration.

UN and International Reaction on Israel Aistrike

The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Office voiced alarm at the renewed fighting, saying the airstrikes “created renewed panic and fear on the eve of Eid Al-Adha.” UN envoy Jeannine Hennis called for all sides to find diplomatic solutions to resolve conflict and prevent risky escalation.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz welcomed what he described as the “perfect execution” of the operation and repeated that the Lebanese government is “directly responsible” for ensuring

Hezbollah’s infringements are prevented. The IDF contended that Hezbollah’s extensive use of drones is a flagrant violation of ceasefire agreements.

History of Escalation and Ongoing Tensions with Israel

The most recent incident rekindles tensions from the 2023–24 war, in which Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon allegedly killed 4,000 individuals and displaced more than 1.2 million. Although the ceasefire was achieved in November and the Lebanese army took control of southern areas, fighting has continued intermittently.

Over the past few months, Israel has made repeated attacks on Dahieh, saying it is targeting Hezbollah’s missile caches and leadership. Lebanon’s government argues these incidents breach the truce and create further instability in the region.

Hezbollah has so far not made an official statement regarding the recent cycle of attacks. The Lebanese military has warned that it will suspend partial cooperation with the body monitoring the ceasefire in reaction to repeated Israeli breaches.

Tensions Soar As Israeli Jets Attack Beirut’s Southern Suburbs Despite Ceasefire

April 27, 2025, 10:37 pm

Israeli fighter jets attacked the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sunday, for the third time since a ceasefire went into effect last November. The Israeli army gave an alert about an hour earlier to civilians in the Hadath area to move at least 300 meters away from the Hezbollah targets that were hit. There were two preparatory warning strikes after the alert.

A massive plume of smoke billowed over the Al-Jamous neighborhood following the attack, as frantic families scrambled to flee. Fighter jets resounded overhead in Beirut, and gunfire was heard as residents were warned to evacuate. No casualties were reported immediately.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged the United States and France, guarantors of the ceasefire, to put pressure on Israel to stop its attacks. The southern suburbs, Hezbollah strongholds, have been regular targets for Israeli raids, especially during the 14-month war that ended with the US-brokered ceasefire.

The attack follows two previous incidents: a warning on March 28 preceding one, and another on April 1 that claimed four lives, including that of a Hezbollah official. Hezbollah’s deputy leader Sheikh Naim Kassem threatened that further aggression by Israelis may lead the group to employ “alternative actions.”

Meanwhile, an additional Israeli drone strike killed a man in the Lebanese village of Halta in southern Lebanon earlier on Sunday. Israel said the man was a Hezbollah operative involved in rebuilding militant networks.

In spite of the ceasefire accord mandating Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah withdrawal from the south border, the violations have been ongoing. Israeli troops are still deployed on five hilltops within Lebanese territory, and daily raids have taken the lives of many civilians and Hezbollah fighters. Lebanon’s government continues to urge international intervention to compel Israel’s adherence to the terms of the ceasefire.

Israel Hits Hezbollah Site in Beirut, Escalating Ceasefire Tensions

March 29, 2025, 3:39 pm

Israel launched a major airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs early Friday, targeting a facility it claimed Hezbollah used for drone storage. This marked the first significant Israeli attack on the Lebanese capital in months and signaled growing tensions amid an already fragile ceasefire. The strike followed a rocket attack from Lebanon, though no group has claimed responsibility.

Ceasefire Under Pressure as Attacks Escalate

The targeted building was located in Dahiyeh, a known Hezbollah stronghold. Israel’s military stated that it conducted three warning drone strikes before launching the main attack, giving civilians time to evacuate. However, the evacuation order caused widespread panic, with residents fleeing on foot and streets becoming gridlocked.

Since the November ceasefire agreement, tensions have simmered. Israel delayed its promised troop withdrawal in January and recently intercepted rockets fired on March 22. It responded by bombing southern Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of violating the agreement. Hezbollah has denied involvement in these attacks.

The renewed violence in Lebanon comes as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza, following the collapse of a separate ceasefire with Hamas. The conflict has heightened fears of a broader regional war.

Global Reaction and Concerns Over Renewed Conflict

The airstrike rattled Beirut, sending thick plumes of smoke over the city. In southern Lebanon, Israeli artillery pounded suspected Hezbollah positions near the border. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the strike, stating that Israel would act decisively against any threat. “We will not allow fire on our communities, not even a trickle,” he declared.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun criticized the attack, calling it unjustified. He emphasized that an investigation into last week’s rocket fire found no evidence linking Hezbollah to the launch. The Lebanese army confirmed that it had identified the launch site and was investigating further.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Israel’s strike, calling it an “unacceptable violation” of the ceasefire. He urged Israel to withdraw from five positions in Lebanese territory still under its control. The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, warned that further escalation could have devastating consequences for civilians on both sides.

The November ceasefire aimed to remove Hezbollah fighters and weapons from southern Lebanon while ensuring an Israeli troop withdrawal. However, both sides have accused each other of failing to uphold the agreement. With the situation rapidly deteriorating, fears of a renewed full-scale conflict continue to mount.

Tens Of Thousands Mourn Nasrallah Late Hezbollah Leader At Funeral In Lebanon

February 23, 2025, 11:53 pm

Tens of thousands have responded to the funeral of Hezbollah’s longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was assassinated in an Israeli air raid last September. The funeral, in a full sports stadium in the southern suburbs of the city, also commemorated his deputy, Hashem Safieddine, assassinated in an Israeli strike the next month.

The funeral had been postponed by five months out of security fear, as Hezbollah lost many after what analysts depict as profound Israeli intelligence penetration in the group leadership. The occasion attracted high-level guests, among them Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi and Iraqi legislators. People waved Hezbollah flags, placed Nasrallah’s portraits on the ground, and hurled personal belongings on his coffin for keeps.

As the coffins were laid out, Israeli warplanes buzzed low over the stadium, inspiring cries of “Death to Israel.” Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz afterwards declared the flyover was a warning to the perpetrators that those who attack Israel will suffer the same destiny. In the meantime, Israeli troops bombed locations in south Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley in defiance of a ceasefire agreement.

Nasrallah, who guided Hezbollah for more than three decades, was given the credit for the group bringing Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon to an end in 2000. His legacy, though, turned controversial following Hezbollah’s intervention in the Syrian war and its hegemony over Lebanese politics.

After the recent war, Hezbollah’s influence declined, and the new government in Lebanon has been pushing to disarm the group. President Joseph Aoun reiterated the nation’s weariness of regional wars and its desire to rebuild after Israeli attacks destroyed significant areas of Lebanon. The government is calling for international assistance and demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese soil.

Israeli Missile Strike: Beirut Building Collapses Down In Seconds | WATCH VIRAL VIDEO

October 23, 2024, 3:01 pm

A viral video has surfaced on social media showing a Beirut building collapsing within seconds after being hit by an Israeli missile strike. The footage captures the devastating moment when the missile flattens the structure in southern Beirut. According to the Associated Press (AP), the building was situated in a heavily populated area near a large park that had become a temporary shelter for displaced families from across Lebanon.

The video begins with a quiet neighborhood before a sudden explosion brings the building down in a cloud of smoke. The scene grows more intense as a second angle of the strike is shown, with the sound of the collapsing Beirut building adding to the drama. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the target contained “Hezbollah facilities.” In addition to this building, the IDF also hit a location near Rafik Hariri University Hospital.

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

Extraordinary footage as Israeli airstrike reduces 10 storey Beirut building to rubble. 20 homes destroyed: pic.twitter.com/TCforzYvtk

— PalMedia (@PalBint) October 22, 2024

An eyewitness, a photojournalist from Al Jazeera, explained that they heard the missile’s approach and began filming as it struck. Roughly 40 minutes before the attack, an Israeli military spokesperson had issued a warning in Arabic on social media, advising residents near the buildings in Beirut’s southern suburbs to evacuate. As a result, many people fled the area, with only a few journalists remaining on-site to document the strike. Thankfully, no casualties were reported. Additionally, after the initial missile strike, two smaller projectiles were fired at the roof, which AP noted is a common practice in warning strikes carried out by Israel in Gaza.

Hezbollah’s Naval Stronghold In Beirut Targeted By Israel

October 23, 2024, 5:48 am

Israeli jets targeted Hezbollah’s main naval base in Beirut overnight, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), who reported the attack on Tuesday morning. The strike resulted in the destruction of the base’s headquarters, ammunition depots, underground infrastructure, fast vessels, and other assets.

“The vessels of the unit are designed to attack naval vessels and naval and strategic targets in Israel’s maritime space,” the IDF stated. Civilians in the area were warned to evacuate prior to the attack.

Must Read: Kamala Harris Prepares For Trump’s Next Move: ‘We’re Ready For A Fight’

Hezbollah’s maritime capabilities are focused on coastal defense, anti-ship operations, and guerrilla-style attacks, rather than open-sea confrontations. The Iran-backed terror group is known to possess naval commandos and anti-ship missile systems. Reports indicate that Hezbollah has also been developing or acquiring unmanned underwater vehicles for covert operations.

Additionally, Hezbollah has conducted drone attacks on Israel’s offshore natural gas fields. Following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah intensified its rocket fire and drone launches targeting northern Israeli communities on a daily basis. Government figures released on September 29 indicated that more than 68,000 residents of northern Israel have been displaced from their homes. Hezbollah leaders have repeatedly asserted their intention to continue the attacks to deter Israelis from returning.

Hezbollah’s barrages have resulted in 59 fatalities. Under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which concluded the 2006 Second Lebanon War, the terror group is prohibited from operating in southern Lebanon.

Also Read: Israel Confirms Killing Of Hezbollah’s Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallah’s Presumed Successor

Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Lebanon: 22 Dead, 117 Wounded

October 11, 2024, 8:00 am

Israeli airstrikes targeted Beirut’s Ras el-Nabaa neighbourhood late Thursday, killing at least 22 people and injuring 117, according to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, as reported by Al Jazeera. The strikes, which occurred without prior warning at midnight, struck two residential buildings in the heart of the Lebanese capital. One of the buildings hit was in an area housing many displaced individuals.

Third Strike Beyond Dahiyeh

This is the third Israeli airstrike outside of Beirut’s southern suburb, Dahiyeh, since Israel expanded its military operations in late September. Earlier strikes hit Beirut’s Kola on September 29 and Bachoura on October 3, according to Al Jazeera. The strikes mark an escalation in the conflict, impacting more central areas of Beirut.

Eyewitness Accounts and Aftermath

Eyewitnesses reported feeling the blast’s impact from nearly a mile away, with nearby buildings shaking and smoke rising from residential blocks. Residents were forced to flee their homes, gathering in open areas as emergency responders arrived at the scene. Videos shared by local news outlets, verified by Al Jazeera, revealed the devastation, with smoke and flames enveloping buildings in Ras el-Nabaa and al-Nuweiri.

Previous Strikes in Beirut

Earlier in the evening, Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported on X that 11 people were killed and 48 others wounded in Israeli airstrikes on Beirut. This attack marks the third such strike on Beirut’s central areas in recent weeks.

Death Toll from Gaza Strikes

In addition to the Beirut attacks, Al Jazeera reported that 63 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Thursday. This escalation in violence continues to impact civilian areas across both Lebanon and Gaza, with heavy casualties reported.

Middle East Update: Senior Hezbollah Commander Assassinated by Israeli Military in Beirut

October 8, 2024, 12:07 pm

The Israeli military announced that it had killed a senior Hezbollah commander, Suhail Husseini, in a strike on Beirut on Tuesday. This action comes just one day after the anniversary of the deadly October 7 attack, which was marked by global mourning and protests.

Husseini’s Role in Hezbollah

According to the Israeli military, Husseini was responsible for managing logistics, budgeting, and overall management within Hezbollah. They further stated that he played a crucial role in transferring advanced weapons from Iran and distributing them to various units within the organization. Husseini was reportedly a member of Hezbollah’s military council.

Continued Violence in the Region

The announcement of Husseini’s death follows a significant escalation in violence. Palestinian militants in Gaza launched a large number of rockets into Israel on Monday, highlighting their ongoing resistance amid an intense Israeli offensive in Gaza. Local medical officials report that around 42,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, with large areas devastated and approximately 90% of the population displaced.

The Background of the Conflict

The current conflict dates back to a year ago when Hamas-led militants breached Israel’s security fence and attacked military bases and farming communities, resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 individuals, mostly civilians, and the abduction of approximately 250 others. It is believed that around 100 of these captives are still being held in Gaza, with a third of them thought to be deceased.

War with Hamas and Hezbollah

Israel is now engaged in a war with Hamas in Gaza and its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon, which began firing rockets into Israel on October 8, 2023. On Monday, the Health Ministry in Lebanon reported that an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed at least 10 firefighters amidst a broader bombardment. Despite suffering recent losses, Hezbollah has continued to launch rockets.

Recent Developments

The Israeli military confirmed that it had successfully targeted Husseini in Beirut, but there was no immediate response from Hezbollah regarding this incident. The Israeli forces have already eliminated several top commanders of Hezbollah, including its overall leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in recent weeks.

Hezbollah has claimed that it has replaced its fallen commanders and has vowed to persist in launching rockets, missiles, and drones into Israel until a ceasefire is established in Gaza, where Hamas has been engaged in conflict with Israel for the past year.

Beirut Under War Or Just Chaos? As Conflict Escalates Amid Israeli Assault On Lebanon

October 5, 2024, 1:35 pm

Anna Levina, a Russian researcher and documentary photographer residing in Beirut, is preparing for the potential impact of Israel’s escalating military operations in Lebanon. Following the resurgence of missile exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel, Levina has been stockpiling supplies, with non-perishable goods remaining in her kitchen since last October. “The feeling is, of course, unpleasant, but I’ve been waiting for this moment for a year,” Levina remarked, referencing the dramatic rise in Israeli airstrikes that have resulted in over 2,000 casualties across Lebanon, including Beirut. Recently, Israel initiated ground operations in southern Lebanon, intensifying clashes with Hezbollah fighters.

The conflict also poses significant strategic concerns for Russia. Under President Vladimir Putin, Russia has pursued a foreign policy aimed at creating a “multipolar world,” contrasting the US-led order. The current conflict’s expansion into Lebanon and potential confrontation with Iran complicates Russia’s interests as a global power. Alexey Malinin, a member of the Digoria Expert Club, expressed that Russia is worried about the escalating Arab-Israeli conflict, noting that US military support for Israel undermines diplomatic efforts for peace.

Despite the US’s unwavering backing of Israel, Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israeli ground operations in Lebanon and has called for troop withdrawal. However, analysts indicate that Russia’s involvement is also influenced by its growing dependency on Iranian military support amid the ongoing Ukraine war. While both Malinin and Ruslan Suleymanov agree that Russia does not seek a large-scale conflict, they acknowledge that Moscow benefits from chaos in the region, as it distracts the US from its commitments in Ukraine.

As tensions rise, Levina hopes Hezbollah can resist the Israeli advance, reflecting on past Israeli invasions and suggesting that the current military strategy may repeat historical mistakes.

Israel Targets Hezbollah HQ In Beirut: Key Developments

September 28, 2024, 5:44 am

In a major escalation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched an airstrike targeting the headquarters of Hezbollah in Beirut, Lebanon, on Friday. The operation has caused widespread concern, especially with reports suggesting that senior commanders were the primary targets. Here are the top updates on the situation:

1. Targeting Senior Hezbollah Commanders
An Israeli official in New York confirmed that the airstrike was aimed at senior commanders of Hezbollah, a powerful Shia Islamist group backed by Iran.

2. Nasrallah’s Fate Uncertain
Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was rumored to be the main target. However, sources close to Nasrallah denied this, claiming the secretary-general is safe. Israeli officials stated that it’s still too early to confirm his fate.

3. U.S. Involvement and Information
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin claimed he had no prior knowledge of the strike, despite being on a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant while the operation unfolded.

4. President Biden Briefed
President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation as tensions rise in the Middle East, receiving regular updates on the developments.

5. IDF Issues Evacuation Orders
The IDF has called for civilians in Beirut’s Dahiya neighborhood, where Hezbollah’s headquarters is located, to evacuate immediately due to ongoing military action.

6. Hezbollah’s Rocket Arsenal
The IDF claims that Hezbollah possesses 150,000 rockets aimed at Israel. However, it emphasized that its conflict is with Hezbollah, not the people of Lebanon.

7. Iran’s Emergency Response
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, called an emergency meeting in response to the strike, raising concerns over potential retaliatory actions.

8. Iran Condemns the Strike
The Iranian embassy in Beirut denounced the attack as a “reprehensible crime” and labeled Israel’s actions as reckless and dangerous.

9. Escalation and Consequences
Iran’s embassy warned that this aggressive move has altered the “rules of the game,” potentially leading to further instability in the region.

10. UN’s Reaction
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN’s top official in Lebanon, expressed concern on social media, noting that the people of Beirut are living in fear as the city continues to tremble under the ongoing conflict.

This latest attack marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, raising fears of further violence and retaliation. While global leaders call for calm and diplomacy, the situation remains highly volatile.

37 Killed In Israeli Strike On Beirut, Including Hezbollah Leader

September 21, 2024, 10:57 pm

At least 37 people, including three children and seven women, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut, Lebanon. The strike targeted Ibrahim Aqil, a high-ranking Hezbollah leader, and occurred in a densely populated neighborhood, leaving widespread devastation.

Retaliation Expected Amid Rising Tensions

Israel’s northern airspace was closed on Saturday as the nation awaited possible retaliation from Hezbollah for the assassination of Aqil. The strike also claimed the lives of more than a dozen militants and destroyed an underground bunker.

Airlines Cancel Flights to Beirut

In response to the escalating violence, major airlines such as Air France, Turkish Airlines, and Aegean canceled flights to Beirut. Concerns over a full-blown war have grown, particularly after the recent barrage of rockets from Lebanon into Israel.

Ongoing Conflict in Gaza

Simultaneously, Israeli forces continued their operations in Gaza, where a school-turned-shelter was bombed, killing at least 22 people, including women and children. Israel claims the target was a Hamas base inside the school.

Hezbollah’s Response and Future Conflict

While both Israel and Hezbollah have indicated they do not seek total war, experts warn that the margin for avoiding escalation is narrow. Israeli officials have vowed to continue their strikes on Hezbollah until northern Israeli residents can safely return to their homes.

International Concerns Grow

UN and US officials have expressed growing alarm over the potential for broader conflict. The UN’s Rosemary DiCarlo warned of a “conflagration” that could surpass the devastation seen so far, calling for urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent further violence.

Israel-Hamas Conflict: Airlines To Stop Flights To Key Cities In Middle East

August 9, 2024, 10:56 pm

Concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East have prompted several international airlines to suspend their flights to the region. Among them, Air India has announced an indefinite halt to its services to and from Tel Aviv. The suspension, effective immediately, was implemented due to heightened conflict between Iran and Israel.

Air India, in a statement on X, said, “In light of the current situation in parts of the Middle East, we have suspended our flights to and from Tel Aviv with immediate effect.” This decision follows increased tensions after the assassination of key leaders from militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah, which has fueled fears of a broader regional conflict.

#ImportantAnnouncement

In view of the current situation in parts of the Middle East, scheduled operation of our flights to and from Tel Aviv are suspended with immediate effect until further notice. We are continuously monitoring the situation and are offering a full refund to…

— Air India (@airindia) August 9, 2024

Other airlines have also adjusted their flight schedules in response to the deteriorating situation. Air France has extended its suspension of flights between Paris and Beirut until August 11, while Delta Airlines has halted its services between New York and Tel Aviv until August 31. Additionally, the Algerian airline has temporarily suspended flights to and from Lebanon until further notice, and a German airline has announced it will avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace, suspending flights to several Middle Eastern destinations, including Tel Aviv, Tehran, and Beirut, through August 13. Singapore Airlines has also rerouted flights to avoid flying over Iranian airspace.

These suspensions come amid growing concerns over a potential Iranian retaliation following the killing of a top Hamas leader in Tehran. The assassination has escalated tensions between Israel and Iran, with Iran blaming Israel for the attack and vowing a strong response. Leaders from Hezbollah, Hamas, and other groups have also pledged retaliation, raising fears of a regional war and sparking international efforts to prevent further violence.

Adding to the rising tension, Russia, an ally of Iran, issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) prohibiting flights from departing Russian airports to Israeli airports during nighttime hours. This restriction, effective from August 9 to at least August 16, may be extended further as Tehran prepares for a possible attack on Israel. Meanwhile, leaders from the US, Egypt, and Qatar have called on Israel and Hamas to engage in negotiations on August 15 to finalize a Gaza ceasefire and a hostage release deal.

In a joint statement, the three countries said, “A framework agreement is now on the table with only the details of implementation left to conclude. There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay. It is time to release the hostages, begin the ceasefire, and implement this agreement.”

Despite ongoing efforts, disagreements over the timing of a planned swap of Palestinian detainees held by Israel and hostages held by Hamas remain unresolved. Critics of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accuse him of delaying talks to end the war in Gaza, which began on October 7 when Hamas killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel. Since then, nearly 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian agencies.

The recent assassination of a top Hamas leader in Tehran has further complicated ceasefire negotiations, with many viewing it as a significant blow to peace efforts. While Israel has not commented on the killing, US officials believe Hamas can resume negotiations despite the July 31 assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, who had been leading talks for Hamas.

Panic In Beirut As Israeli Jets Break Sound Barrier Before Hezbollah Address

August 7, 2024, 12:26 am

On Tuesday, Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier three times over Beirut within a span of less than 30 minutes. The loud booms from the sonic booms caused panic among the city’s residents, leading many to seek shelter. The jets flew at low altitude over the Lebanese capital, with witnesses able to see them clearly in the sky.

The noise was reported to be the loudest heard in Beirut in years. A Reuters reporter observed people fleeing a cafe in the Badaro district as the sound echoed throughout the city.

Context of the Tensions

The dramatic show of force occurred just before Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was scheduled to give a speech at around 5 p.m. (1400 GMT). The address was set to mark one week since the killing of Hezbollah’s top military commander, Fuad Shukr, in an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs.

Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate against the killing. The incident came shortly before the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an operation attributed to Israel but not officially confirmed or denied by Israeli authorities.

The recent killings have intensified regional tensions, with Iran also pledging a strong response. The situation remains volatile as the region edges closer to a broader conflict.

Hezbollah Leader Declares ‘New Phase’ In War with Israel After Recent Killings

August 2, 2024, 1:24 am

Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah announced Thursday that the conflict with Israel has entered a “new phase” after the recent deaths of key figures. This follows the killing of Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut and the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, both sparking widespread concern about escalating violence in the region.

Hezbollah and Iran React

The Israeli airstrike on Beirut on Tuesday also resulted in the deaths of an Iranian military adviser and several civilians. Israel confirmed the strike was in response to a recent rocket attack on the Golan Heights that killed 12 children, though Hezbollah denied responsibility for that attack.

Nasrallah, speaking via video link at Shukur’s funeral in Beirut, warned Israel and its allies to prepare for a significant response, although he did not specify what form it would take. His remarks included a call for retaliation and a promise of a “well-studied” response.

Iran’s Reaction

In Tehran, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei prayed over the body of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in an apparent Israeli assassination. The killing has heightened fears of further retaliation from Iran and its allies.

Regional Tensions and Diplomatic Efforts

The recent violence has raised concerns about a potential wider war. Hezbollah and Israel have had near-daily exchanges of fire since the Gaza conflict began in October. Despite previous instances of heightened tension, international efforts have so far managed to prevent a full-scale war.

The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue to de-escalate the conflict and avoid further bloodshed. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged all parties to avoid actions that could exacerbate the situation, emphasizing the need for a cease-fire to break the cycle of violence.

In Beirut, the situation remains tense but calm, with Hezbollah’s fighters expected to resume operations after a period of mourning for Shukur.

Israeli Airstrike Hits Beirut, Killing 1 And Wounding Dozens

July 31, 2024, 2:51 am

In a rare and deadly airstrike, Israel targeted a Hezbollah commander in Beirut, resulting in the death of one woman and injuries to dozens of people. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Details of the Airstrike

Date: Tuesday
Location: Haret Hreik, Beirut, Lebanon
Target: Alleged Hezbollah commander
Casualties:
Killed: 1 woman
Injured: 68 people

Background of the Conflict

The strike aimed at a Hezbollah commander allegedly responsible for multiple attacks on Israel, including a recent rocket attack on the Golan Heights that killed 12 youths. Israel holds Hezbollah accountable despite their denial of involvement.

Statements and Reactions

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant: “Hezbollah crossed a red line.”
Hezbollah Official Ali Ammar: “The Israeli enemy has committed a great stupid act… The Israeli enemy will pay a price for this sooner or later.”
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati: Condemned the attack, noting its proximity to a major hospital in Beirut.

Damage and Rescue Efforts

The strike damaged several buildings and caused debris to litter the surrounding streets. Emergency services and utility crews worked to rescue the injured and clear the area.

Historical Context

This attack marks the first time since January that Israel has targeted Beirut. The last significant airstrike was during the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006.

International Response

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre: Emphasized that the Biden administration does not see all-out war as inevitable and continues to hope for a diplomatic solution.

US Leads Diplomatic Efforts To Prevent Israeli Strike On Beirut

July 30, 2024, 7:35 pm

United States is spearheading a diplomatic push to prevent Israel from launching a major strike on Beirut or other significant civil infrastructure in Lebanon following a deadly rocket attack on the Golan Heights. The attack, which occurred over the weekend, resulted in the deaths of 12 youths and has heightened tensions between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah.

High-Speed Diplomacy to Contain Israel’s Response

In response to the rocket strike, Washington is urgently working to de-escalate the situation and avoid a broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Five individuals with knowledge of the situation, including Lebanese and Iranian officials and Middle Eastern and European diplomats, revealed that the focus of the diplomatic efforts has been to persuade Israel to refrain from targeting densely populated areas in Beirut and key infrastructure such as airports and bridges.

Lebanon’s deputy parliament speaker, Elias Bou Saab, emphasized that avoiding strikes on civilian areas could prevent a significant escalation. “If they avoid civilians and they avoid Beirut and its suburbs, then their attack could be well calculated,” he stated.

Israel’s Stance and International Mediation

Israeli officials have expressed a desire to punish Hezbollah without triggering an all-out war. Despite this, there has been no formal commitment from Israel to avoid strikes on Beirut or its infrastructure. US State Department has reiterated its unwavering support for Israel’s security while seeking a “durable solution” to end cross-border violence.

White House spokesperson John Kirby affirmed Israel’s right to respond to the Golan Heights attack but stressed that no one desires a broader war. “As for conversations over the weekend, you bet we’ve had them and we had them at multiple levels,” Kirby said. However, he did not disclose the details of these discussions.

Historical Context and Recent Developments

The recent escalation recalls the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, during which Israeli forces heavily bombed Beirut’s southern suburbs and other parts of Lebanon, causing widespread destruction. In light of this history, France has also been involved in mediating between Israel and Hezbollah to prevent further violence. France, which has longstanding ties with Lebanon, has been actively passing messages to de-escalate the situation.

Outlook and Strategic Decisions

The Israeli Homefront Command has not issued new instructions to civilians, indicating that the military does not anticipate imminent danger. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet has authorized a response against Hezbollah but has stopped short of an all-out war. Far-right coalition partners have called for robust action, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich demanding severe retaliation for the deaths caused by the Golan Heights attack.

As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community remains watchful, hoping to avert a devastating conflict in an already volatile region.

Flights To And From Beirut Delayed Amid Rising Tensions Between Israel And Hezbollah

July 29, 2024, 3:54 pm

Flights to and from Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport were canceled or delayed on Monday following escalating tensions between Israel and the armed political group Hezbollah. This unrest comes in the wake of a rocket strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that killed 12 children and teenagers.

Airline Responses

Major airlines, including Lufthansa, Swiss, and Eurowings, have suspended their flights to and from Beirut through August 5 due to the heightened security concerns in the Middle East. Middle East Airlines (MEA) also reported disruptions, citing insurance risks as a factor.

Regional Conflict Impact

The recent strike has intensified fears of a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel’s security cabinet authorized a response to the attack, while Hezbollah has denied involvement. This incident is the deadliest since the start of the Gaza conflict on October 7, which has now expanded to multiple fronts.

Additional Flight Cancellations

Other airlines affected include Turkish Airlines, SunExpress, Greek carrier Aegean Airlines, Ethiopian Air, and MEA, all of which have canceled flights to Beirut. MEA attributed additional delays to technical reasons related to insurance risk distribution.

Historical Context

Beirut’s airport, Lebanon’s sole international gateway, has been previously targeted during the country’s civil war and past conflicts with Israel. The ongoing conflict has disrupted regional travel and shipping, exacerbating the impact of these latest developments.

Lufthansa had already suspended night flights to and from Beirut for July due to similar concerns.