Israel Strikes Hezbollah Stronghold in Beirut’s Southern Suburbs

BEIRUT – For the third time since the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli fighter jets launched an airstrike on Sunday targeting a building in Beirut’s southern suburbs. The attack, which reportedly struck a Hezbollah facility, ignited large fires and sparked a mass evacuation from the densely populated area. 

The Israeli military had issued prior warnings to residents of al-Hadath neighborhood, where the targeted building was located. Avichay Adraee, an Israeli army spokesperson, described the site as a Hezbollah-controlled facility and urged nearby residents to evacuate buildings within 300 meters of the location. This prompted a swift response, with families fleeing their homes and creating significant congestion on major roads leading out of the capital. 

Lebanese media reported heavy aerial activity over Beirut’s southern suburbs, with Israeli jets conducting multiple warning strikes before launching the main attack. The targeted building, referred to as “Victory Tent” by locals, was reportedly used for Ashura gatherings organized by Hezbollah. Israeli officials claimed the site housed critical weapons and argued that their presence violated the ceasefire agreement. 

The airstrike left the building engulfed in flames, with Israeli authorities insisting that Hezbollah’s storage of weapons in civilian areas posed a direct threat to regional stability. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the military operation, stating, “Israel will not allow Hezbollah to form a threat from any location in Lebanon. The southern suburbs of Beirut will not serve as a safe haven for Hezbollah.” Netanyahu further emphasized that the Lebanese government bears full responsibility for preventing militant activities within its borders. 

While Israeli officials hailed the operation as necessary for maintaining security, Lebanese authorities condemned the strike as a breach of the fragile ceasefire agreement. The attack has further escalated tensions in an already volatile region, underscoring the deep divisions and ongoing instability.