Israeli warplanes conducted intensive airstrikes across southern Beirut late Thursday, marking the fourth bombardment of the Dahiyeh district since last November’s ceasefire. The attacks targeted what Israel claims are Hezbollah drone production facilities hidden in civilian areas, though Lebanese security forces disputed these allegations after inspecting the sites. Thick smoke engulfed the densely populated suburbs as panicked residents abandoned Eid al-Adha celebrations to flee on foot through gridlocked streets.
The strikes followed evacuation warnings issued 90 minutes earlier by the Israeli military for four specific locations. Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed continued operations until Hezbollah disarms, stating Israel’s security demands override Lebanon’s stability concerns. Lebanese officials denounced the attacks as flagrant violations of international law, with President Aoun and Prime Minister Salam jointly condemning the timing during the sacred Muslim holiday period. UN observers expressed alarm at the renewed violence disrupting religious observances.
Conflicting narratives emerged about the targets, with Israel asserting it hit Iranian-funded UAV factories while Lebanese army investigators found no military equipment at the designated sites. A security source revealed Israeli warning fire prevented follow-up inspections that might have averted the bombardment. The incident escalates tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border where sporadic exchanges have continued despite the US-mediated truce that ended last year’s major conflict. Analysts warn the strikes risk triggering renewed hostilities as Hezbollah faces pressure to respond to attacks on its stronghold.
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