Israel’s attacks devastate Beirut and threaten U.S.-Iran ceasefire
New attacks Thursday
Israel vowed to continue its campaign in Lebanon, insisting that the country was not included in the truce.
It launched its latest ground and air attack on Lebanon last month after Hezbollah launched strikes on northern Israel in retaliation for the joint attack on Iran and the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
The Israeli military said it launched at least 100 strikes in the space of 10 minutes on Wednesday, its largest barrage of the current conflict.
The Israeli military said it struck Hezbollah’s headquarters, military formations and command and control centers, but acknowledged that many of its targets were located “in the heart of the civilian population”, accusing the militant group of using civilians as human shields, a claim frequently repeated during its devastating attack in Gaza.
And Israeli forces launched new attacks on Thursday, with Hezbollah also striking northern Israel in retaliation. The militant group said in a statement that its “response will continue” until attacks on Lebanon stop.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised “we will continue to strike Hezbollah wherever necessary, until full security is restored for the people of the north.” He said in a post on X that Israeli forces killed the personal secretary and nephew of Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem, Ali Yusuf Harshi, during the assault.
The sudden escalation of violence follows growing fears over Israel’s desire to model its invasion of southern Lebanon on its deadly military offensive in Gaza.
Israeli forces have destroyed an increasing number of homes in the south, as well as bridges over the Litani River, connecting the south to the rest of the country, in an effort to establish a “safe zone” in the region.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz previously said that people forced to flee the south would not be able to return to the region until the security of Israelis in northern Israel was guaranteed.
Many displaced people sought refuge in Beirut, only to find themselves under fire once again.
Zoya Awky reported from Zouk Mosbeh and Chantal Da Silva from London.
