ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In escalation, Israel carried out its first major airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs since the November ceasefire, retaliating for a rocket attack launched from Lebanon. The airstrike, which targeted a building in the Dahiyeh area—a known stronghold of Hezbollah—took place on Friday and is being described as a serious test of the fragile truce between the two sides.
Targeted Strike on Hezbollah’s Alleged Drone Facility
The Israeli military confirmed that the building struck in the southern suburbs was a drone storage facility allegedly operated by Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Shiite militant group. The strike produced a large column of black smoke visible across the Lebanese capital, and was followed by widespread panic as Israel issued an evacuation order for residents in the area. Witnesses reported heavy traffic and chaos as people attempted to flee.
Israel’s retaliatory airstrike came after a rocket was launched from southern Lebanon earlier in the week, on March 22. The Israeli government has stated that the attack violated the ceasefire agreement, which both sides had agreed to in November. However, Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the rocket fire, and the Lebanese army has begun an investigation to identify the perpetrators.
Renewed Fears of Conflict Resumption
The November ceasefire, which called for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the deployment of Lebanese forces to maintain security, has shown signs of strain in recent weeks. Israel had already delayed its promised troop withdrawal earlier this year, and last week’s interception of rockets fired at Israeli territories further raised tensions.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s position, stating that Israel would continue to strike anywhere in Lebanon it deemed necessary to protect its citizens. “We will not allow any threat, not even a trickle,” Netanyahu said, reiterating Israel’s determination to uphold its security.
International Reactions and Criticism
The airstrike has drawn condemnation from multiple international figures. French President Emmanuel Macron, whose government played a role in mediating the ceasefire, described the strike as “unacceptable” and urged Israel to respect the ceasefire terms. Macron also called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from positions they continue to occupy in Lebanese territory.
On the other hand, Israel’s response to the rocket fire was framed as necessary to safeguard Israeli lives, with the military describing the rocket launch as a “direct threat” to the security of its citizens. The Lebanese government, however, has expressed dissatisfaction with Israel’s actions, with President Joseph Aoun calling the airstrike “unjustified” and underscoring that investigations into the rocket fire had not pointed to Hezbollah’s involvement.
Regional Tensions Continue to Mount
The recent airstrike follows a pattern of military actions that have escalated tensions between Israel and Lebanon. Last year, Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah’s leadership in southern Lebanon, resulting in significant casualties. The region remains on edge, with both sides accusing each other of failing to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, expressed grave concern over the escalating violence, warning that any exchange of fire between the two countries could have devastating consequences for civilians on both sides of the border.
Ongoing Military Campaign in Gaza
While tensions flare in southern Lebanon, Israel is also involved in a renewed military campaign in Gaza. On Friday, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 19 Palestinians, as reported by local health authorities. With Israeli forces stretched across multiple fronts, it remains uncertain whether the situation in Lebanon will lead to a broader conflict.
As the situation continues to unfold, international observers are watching closely, hoping for de-escalation. The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has already led to significant loss of life and displacement, and the risk of a return to large-scale warfare remains high.
