The latest
Israel expanded its military operations in Lebanon on Saturday, launching airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs “Dahieh” in what it said was a response to rockets and drones fired toward Israel in recent days.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the operation was carried out under the direction of Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, adding that the strikes targeted Hezbollah facilities and command centers in the area.
In a notable development, Israeli Army Radio reported that the Israeli Air Force struck what it described as a “high-value asset” in the southern suburbs of Beirut based on intelligence gathered by Israeli agencies.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the strikes targeted Hezbollah command centers and were a response to attacks launched from Lebanon against Israel.
An Israeli military spokesperson said the operation targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, while Israeli media reports said two residential buildings were hit.
Lebanese media reported that the strike targeted the vicinity of Tahwitat al-Ghadir in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Local reports said three missiles struck apartments inside a residential building.
Details
• Israel said the strikes were a response to rockets and drones launched from Lebanon.
• Israeli Army Radio described the target as a “high-value asset.”
• Lebanese media reported that residential apartments were hit in the Tahwitat al-Ghadir area.
• The strikes came roughly three days after the United States announced a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.
• Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the Northern Command had not changed security instructions or student evacuation plans.
• The Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for residents of Tyre and nearby areas, urging them to move north of the Zahrani River ahead of possible additional strikes.
• The military also said it intercepted two projectiles launched from Lebanon after sirens sounded in the Yiftah and Ramot Naftali areas.
• Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility for the launches.
What to watch
Attention is now focused on the identity of the “high-value asset” Israel says it targeted and whether the operation could trigger a broader escalation. The outlook for the ceasefire remains uncertain as disputes continue over its terms and Hezbollah’s future military presence in southern Lebanon.
