Israeli strike on Hezbollah/ Hezbollah HQ targeted/ Beirut airstrike/ Newslooks/ BEIRUT/ LEBANON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel confirmed an airstrike on Hezbollah’s main headquarters in Beirut, triggering large explosions. This occurred following Prime Minister Netanyahu’s U.N. speech, where he vowed to intensify the campaign against Hezbollah. Lebanon is grappling with a rising death toll and fears of all-out war.
Hezbollah Headquarters Airstrike: Quick Looks
- Israeli Airstrike: Israel struck Hezbollah’s central headquarters in Beirut’s Dahiyeh suburb, flattening multiple buildings.
- Massive Explosion: The explosion sent clouds of smoke over the city, with shockwaves felt over 30 kilometers away.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Statement: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu promised to continue degrading Hezbollah’s capabilities.
- Funeral in Beirut: The strike followed a large funeral for Hezbollah members killed in prior attacks.
- Rising Casualties: Earlier airstrikes killed a family of nine in southern Lebanon, contributing to a rising death toll.
- Potential Ground Invasion: Israeli forces have gathered near the Lebanon border, heightening fears of a full-scale conflict.
Israel Airstrikes Hezbollah HQ: Explosions Devastate Beirut
Deep Look:
The Israeli military conducted a high-profile airstrike on Friday, targeting Hezbollah’s primary headquarters in the densely populated southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh. This strategic strike occurred shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the United Nations, reiterating Israel’s commitment to neutralize Hezbollah’s influence and military capacity. The attack resulted in massive explosions that shook buildings and shattered windows across the capital, sending thick plumes of orange and black smoke into the sky.
According to Israeli military sources, the strike aimed at Hezbollah’s central command, which was reportedly concealed beneath residential structures. The extent of the casualties remains unknown as emergency services responded to the devastation. Local media reported that four buildings were completely leveled, with ambulances rushing to the scene amidst widespread chaos. Residents across Beirut, even those 30 kilometers away, felt the effects of the blast.
The airstrike came just after a large public funeral was held for three Hezbollah members, including a senior commander, who were killed in prior Israeli attacks. Thousands of mourners had gathered in Dahiyeh to pay their respects, marking a moment of heightened tension. Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV covered the funeral before reporting on the subsequent devastation caused by the Israeli airstrikes.
Earlier on Friday, Israel carried out another deadly attack, this time in a Lebanese border village, killing a family of nine. The incident added to the escalating crisis as Lebanon faces increasing civilian casualties, with more than 720 deaths reported this week alone. The rising death toll has triggered mass displacement, with tens of thousands of residents fleeing their homes as the country braces for a potential full-scale war.
Israel’s intensified airstrikes on Lebanon this week are a direct response to more than 11 months of intermittent rocket fire from Hezbollah into Israeli territory. Israeli military officials assert that these strikes are necessary to put an end to the persistent threat posed by Hezbollah. While the full scope of Israel’s military operation remains uncertain, there are growing concerns that a ground invasion may soon follow. Thousands of Israeli troops have already been deployed to the northern border in anticipation of escalating violence.
During his address to the United Nations, Prime Minister Netanyahu made it clear that Israel would continue its military campaign until Hezbollah is significantly weakened. His remarks further dampened the chances of an internationally mediated ceasefire, leaving the region on edge.
Lebanese citizens are particularly concerned about the possibility of a repeat of the devastating 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, which lasted a month and caused widespread destruction across Lebanon. Many fear the current situation could lead to even greater devastation, akin to the destruction seen in Gaza during Israel’s recent military operations against Hamas.
In addition to the Beirut strikes, Israeli forces conducted multiple raids across southern Lebanon, including in the cities of Sidon and Nabatiyeh. The Israeli military reported that dozens of Hezbollah rocket launchers and key infrastructure were destroyed during these operations. In response, Hezbollah launched a volley of rockets targeting the northern Israeli city of Tiberias, signaling a continued cycle of retaliation.
As both sides ramp up their military actions, the international community has expressed deep concern about the escalating violence. However, with Netanyahu’s firm stance at the U.N. and Hezbollah’s continued resistance, a peaceful resolution remains elusive. For now, the prospect of a broader conflict looms large, with Lebanon bearing the brunt of the destruction and uncertainty.
