The Israeli military launched a series of airstrikes early Thursday on underground targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs, claiming the facilities were being used by Hezbollah to produce attack drones. The strikes, which occurred in the Dahiyeh district—a Hezbollah stronghold—mark one of the most significant Israeli operations in Lebanon since the November 2024 ceasefire.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the targeted sites were part of a drone manufacturing network supported by Iran. The IDF stated that the attacks were necessary to disrupt Hezbollah’s increasing aerial capabilities, which it said posed an imminent threat to Israeli security.
The airstrikes triggered fires in densely populated areas and were covered live by Lebanese broadcasters. In advance of the operation, the Israeli military issued evacuation warnings, prompting widespread panic among residents, especially with the Eid al-Adha holiday approaching.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam swiftly condemned the strikes, calling them a violation of international law and the ceasefire agreement. Both leaders warned that such actions undermine fragile efforts to maintain regional stability.
Hezbollah denied the existence of drone production facilities at the bombed sites and accused Israel of bypassing established mechanisms for ceasefire violations. The Lebanese Armed Forces reported that no military equipment was found during initial inspections and said follow-up investigations were hindered by continued air activity.
This marks at least the fourth time Israeli forces have breached the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The current hostilities stem from Hezbollah’s entrance into the Gaza conflict in October 2023 in support of Hamas, which escalated into a broader war by late 2024.
International bodies, including the United Nations, have called for restraint from all sides. Diplomats are urging renewed dialogue to prevent a full-scale return to conflict and to preserve the shaky truce that remains in place.
