The Israeli military conducted airstrikes on underground facilities in Beirut’s southern suburbs believed to be utilized by Hezbollah for drone production just before the Eid al-Adha holiday. This action marked the first strike near the capital in over a month and the fourth since the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in November after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement.
Israel issued a warning before the strikes, stating its intention to target eight buildings at four different locations. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has been carrying out frequent strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon, citing the need to prevent Hezbollah from regrouping following the previous conflict that significantly weakened its leadership and weapons cache.
According to the Israeli army, Hezbollah was actively engaged in producing drones with the support of Iranian terrorist groups. The army highlighted Hezbollah’s extensive use of drones in past attacks against Israel and its efforts to expand drone production for future conflicts.
Hezbollah did not immediately respond to the allegations, but a Hezbollah official refuted the claim of drone production facilities at the targeted sites. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army attempted to dissuade Israel from conducting the strikes, proposing an inspection under the ceasefire agreement mechanism, but Israel rejected the suggestion.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the airstrikes as a breach of international agreements and humanitarian laws, criticizing Israel’s actions on the eve of a significant religious event. Aoun accused Israel of undermining stability and peace in the region by using Lebanon as a platform to convey messages to the United States.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz commended the air force for the precise execution of the strikes and affirmed Israel’s commitment to upholding ceasefire regulations without compromise. He held the Lebanese government directly accountable for preventing violations of the ceasefire and any terrorist activities against Israel.
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel originated in October 2023 when Hezbollah supported Hamas in Gaza by launching rockets across the border. The situation escalated into a full-scale war in late 2024, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. There has been mounting pressure on Hezbollah to relinquish its weaponry, contingent on Israel ceasing airstrikes and withdrawing from occupied border points in southern Lebanon.