Israel Escalates Airstrikes on Beirut, Targeting Hezbollah Drone Facilities

In a dramatic escalation of conflict, Israel launched a series of intense airstrikes on the outskirts of Beirut, targeting what it claimed were underground drone production sites associated with Hezbollah. This marked one of the most severe bombardments in the region since a cease-fire brokered by the U.S. came into effect, ending a devastating war that had plagued Lebanon. The strikes were reported on Thursday and focused specifically on areas in the Dahiya neighborhood, known for Hezbollah's substantial influence.

The Israeli military justified its actions by accusing Hezbollah of purposefully constructing military infrastructure in civilian densely populated areas. They argued that this violated the terms of a cease-fire agreement that stipulated the disarmament of Hezbollah and Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Despite the cease-fire's establishment, both Israel and Lebanon have leveled accusations against each other for not fully adhering to the terms.

Before the airstrikes commenced, the Israeli military issued evacuation orders to residents in three locations of the Dahiya, cautioning them to leave zones identified on a map shared via social media. In response, the Lebanese military attempted to inspect the flagged buildings and reached out to the U.S.-led monitoring committee designed to oversee compliance with the cease-fire. These developments come as political strains continue to escalate in Lebanon and the surrounding regions, raising concerns about potential further military confrontations.