the Israeli army conducted a “targeted strike” in the Lebanese capital on September 23, with reports emerging that an Israeli drone specifically targeted a senior Hezbollah operative. The latest airstrikes have resulted in severe casualties and destruction across Lebanon, further complicating an already tense regional landscape.
Deadly Airstrikes Hit Hezbollah Strongholds
Israeli airstrikes early Monday morning struck Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon, leading to the deaths of at least 492 individuals, including 35 children, as reported by Lebanon’s health ministry. The bombardments began at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time and primarily targeted areas in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, Baalbek, and the densely populated Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut. This day of violence has been characterized as the deadliest in Lebanon since the civil war.
The Israeli military stated that over 1,600 Hezbollah sites were struck as part of “Operation Northern Arrows.” Among the high-profile targets was Ali Karake, a senior Hezbollah leader, who was later confirmed safe by the militant group. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that a “large number” of Hezbollah militants were killed in the coordinated strikes.
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Widespread Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis
Lebanon’s health ministry detailed the extensive devastation caused by the airstrikes, noting that at least 58 women were among the deceased and 1,650 individuals sustained injuries. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of thousands of families from the southern region and the Bekaa Valley, with explosions near Baalbek sending massive plumes of smoke into the air.
“This has become our new reality,” lamented Wafaa Ismail, a 60-year-old resident of Zawtar in southern Lebanon. “We sleep and wake up to bombardment.”
Retaliation from Hezbollah and Civilian Warnings
In response to the Israeli airstrikes, Hezbollah launched rocket attacks targeting Israeli military bases, with some projectiles landing near Haifa. Air raid sirens in the coastal city prompted residents to seek shelter, highlighting the escalating cycle of violence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Lebanese population in a recorded message, asserting that Hezbollah is using civilians as human shields. He urged residents to heed Israeli evacuation warnings, stating, “Please, get out of harm’s way now. Once our operation is finished, you can come back safely to your homes.” Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is not engaged in warfare against Lebanon or its citizens, but specifically against Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.
Rising Calls for Evacuation Amid Intensified Conflict
As tensions mounted, Lebanese officials reported receiving over 80,000 calls, believed to be from Israeli sources, urging citizens to evacuate. This alarming development highlights the growing threat of an all-out war as Israel intensifies its 11-month campaign against militant groups, particularly following a week of escalated conflict in Lebanon.
The international community has strongly condemned the violence. Arab states criticized Israel’s military actions, while France, Egypt, and Iraq called for urgent meetings of the United Nations Security Council and the Arab League to address the situation.
Israeli Officials Discuss Military Strategy
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described Monday’s airstrikes as a “significant peak” in operations aimed at dismantling Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. Prime Minister Netanyahu articulated Israel’s objective to shift the “security balance” on its northern front, indicating a strategic intent behind the intensified military actions.
Hezbollah has responded by declaring that it has entered a “new phase” of confrontation, vowing to continue retaliatory attacks against Israeli forces. The group has engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire with Israel, underscoring the deepening conflict.
International Concerns and Calls for De-escalation
As the potential for a wider regional war looms, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that Israel and Hezbollah were on the brink of a “full-fledged war.” The United States, a key ally of Israel, has expressed concerns regarding the conflict’s escalation, with the Biden administration actively working on diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Global leaders are increasingly urging restraint and calling for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further destabilization in the region. The violence not only threatens the lives of civilians caught in the crossfire but also risks igniting broader conflicts that could have far-reaching implications for regional stability.
