Israel launched a series of intense airstrikes on Beirut, targeting Hezbollah's strongholds

 Israel launched a series of intense airstrikes on Beirut, targeting Hezbollah's strongholds in southern Lebanon. Despite the relentless attacks, there is no indication of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah's presence in the area. This escalation in military operations signifies Israel's shift in focus from Gaza to Lebanon. The strikes, initiated last night in the city center, resulted in the release of dense smoke clouds into the air, causing alarm and disorder in heavily populated residential zones. The recent military actions conducted by Israel in Beirut represent its most severe strikes in the region since redirecting its focus from Gaza to Lebanon. These attacks specifically targeted suspected Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon, resulting in significant casualties, including the loss of hundreds of lives. Israeli television networks initially stated that Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was the main target of the attack. However, a Hezbollah source informed news agency AFP that Nasrallah is safe and has been in hiding to avoid assassination attempts for several years. Nasrallah, possessing significant influence in Lebanon, especially within his Shiite followers, is commonly regarded as the sole individual capable of initiating conflict or facilitating reconciliation.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) alleged that the attacks led to the fatalities of Muhammad Ali Ismail, the leader of Hezbollah's missile division in southern Lebanon, as well as his subordinate and additional high-ranking members of the Iran-supported militant group. Ahmad Ahmad, a resident of southern Beirut who fled his home during the strikes, likened the attack to an earthquake, as reported by the news agency AFP. The bombings persisted into a subsequent wave, with Israel reportedly targeting Hezbollah's weapons depots housed in buildings in southern Beirut. Hezbollah refuted the allegation and there were reports of 91 injuries, six fatalities, and six buildings destroyed. After the strikes, Hezbollah responded by firing rockets at Israel, leading the Israeli military to issue evacuation warnings for civilians in Hezbollah-controlled areas.

Benjamin Netanyahu's Address

During his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed Israel's commitment to ongoing military operations against Hezbollah until complete security is established along the northern border. He stated that Israel possesses the authority to protect itself, emphasizing that Hezbollah will not be granted any respite and suggesting the potential for a ground invasion in Lebanon. Netanyahu further delivered a strong message to Tehran, alleging that Iran is escalating the conflict by backing Hezbollah. Netanyahu issued a warning that Israel would retaliate if attacked, asserting that its influence could span across the Middle East if needed. During his speech at the UN General Assembly, numerous diplomats left in protest. The continued conflict in Gaza has resulted in widespread condemnation, with over 42,000 casualties reported in the blockaded territory. Extensive destruction has occurred in Gaza, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands, and leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins.

The Friday evening Israeli airstrikes on southern Beirut were unprecedented in scale, reportedly involving tens of tons of explosives. Hezbollah's senior leaders were believed to be at the underground headquarters targeted by the bombing. However, Hezbollah reports indicated that Nasrallah emerged unharmed from the attacks. Despite the significant damage, including entire buildings being leveled, there was no immediate confirmation of Nasrallah's death, although speculation persisted. Israeli officials, nevertheless, conveyed assurance that the attacks had severely disrupted Hezbollah's leadership hierarchy. In a televised announcement, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari stated that the strike was aimed at Hezbollah's main headquarters in the Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut. The IDF informed the US about the airstrikes during the operation, but the United States did not participate.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian denounced the Beirut strikes as a "flagrant war crime," escalating the already precarious situation.