Beirut/Jerusalem: Israel launched “forceful” airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs at dawn on Monday. The raids come hours after Hezbollah fired a massive salvo of rockets and drones toward Northern Israel, further escalating the regional conflict.
The Situation at a Glance
- Airstrikes in Beirut: Israeli warplanes targeted the Dahieh district, a major Hezbollah stronghold.
- Retaliation: Hezbollah claims the attack was a response to the Saturday killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Haifa Targeted: Hezbollah drones and rockets aimed for the Mishmar HaCarmel missile defense site.
- Civilian Impact: Residents in Beirut are fleeing their homes; ambulances are on the scene, though no official death toll is available.
Hezbollah’s Retaliatory Strike
Shortly after midnight, Hezbollah launched what it described as a “swarm of drones” and advanced rockets. The group stated the attack was in defense of Lebanon and a direct response to the “treacherous” killing of the Iranian leader by joint Israeli-U.S. forces.
The attack triggered air raid sirens across Haifa, the Upper Galilee, and the Golan Heights. The Israeli military confirmed that while its defense systems intercepted several projectiles, others fell in open areas. No Israeli casualties have been reported yet.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Condemns Escalation
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the initial rocket launch from southern Lebanon, calling it a “reckless and suspicious act.”
“We will not allow the country to be dragged into new adventures,” Salam warned. He added that such acts give Israel “pretexts to continue its attacks” and vowed to take measures to protect the Lebanese people.
Israel’s Response: “Forceful” Operations
The Israeli military confirmed it is now operating against Hezbollah’s decision to join the ongoing campaign. State-owned Kan 11 TV reported multiple strikes across the Dahieh district, marking a significant intensification of Israel’s aerial campaign in the Lebanese capital.
