Israeli Airstrikes Target Hezbollah Positions in Beirut and Lebanon
On Tuesday, the Israeli military launched one of its heaviest daytime airstrikes against Beirut’s southern suburbs, a region controlled by Hezbollah. The airstrikes also targeted central Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of over 20 people.
Starting in the morning, smoke filled the skies above Beirut as Israeli planes struck the Dahiyeh area, a Hezbollah stronghold in the southern suburbs. The Israeli military later reported that it had targeted and destroyed significant Hezbollah facilities, including weapons and missile storage sites. To minimize civilian casualties, Israel claimed it had warned residents through social media channels. However, Hezbollah rejected accusations that it uses civilians as human shields, a claim frequently made by Israel.
Casualties in Northern Israel and Lebanese Border Regions
In northern Israel, two people were killed when a missile struck a residential building in the city of Nahariya. The attack was claimed by Hezbollah, which also took responsibility for a drone strike aimed at an Israeli military base east of the city.
Meanwhile, Israeli drone attacks prompted residents in northern Israel to seek shelter, including in Haifa, where a drone hit a kindergarten’s yard while children were taken to safety. No injuries were reported.
In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes claimed more lives in Mount Lebanon province, with at least eight fatalities in Baalchmay and 15 more in the Chouf district’s Joun village. Additional casualties were reported in southern Lebanon, with five killed in Tefahta and others in Nabatieh, Tyre, and Hermel.
Humanitarian Impact on Beirut and Lebanon
As Israel’s airstrikes intensified, many residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs fled, seeking refuge elsewhere in the city. The strikes have caused extensive damage, with some buildings collapsing entirely. Social media footage showed missiles hitting a multi-story building, which crumbled in an explosion of debris.
The violence, sparked by the ongoing Gaza conflict, has been escalating for nearly a year. Since Israel began its air campaign against Hezbollah in September, large parts of southern Lebanon have been devastated, with numerous Hezbollah leaders killed in the strikes.
Israel’s Military Progress in Lebanon
Israel’s defense forces have made significant progress in their operations, according to Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi. He stated that Israeli forces were “operating very strongly” in southern Lebanon. Over the past year of hostilities, Israel has lost around 100 soldiers and civilians to Hezbollah attacks in northern Israel and the Golan Heights, while Hezbollah has reported the deaths of over 100 Israeli soldiers since October 1.
Despite ongoing military operations, Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has ruled out a ceasefire until Israel achieves its objectives, including Hezbollah’s disarmament and the return of evacuated Israelis to their homes in the north.
International Efforts for a Ceasefire
The United States, under the leadership of President Joe Biden, has been trying to broker a ceasefire in Lebanon, though the chances of a deal remain uncertain. Amos Hochstein, a U.S. envoy, expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of a truce, in contrast to the ongoing peace talks in Gaza, which have seen setbacks.
On the other hand, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, noted that there has been some progress in ceasefire discussions. However, Israel’s military stance remains firm: it will not stop its operations in Lebanon until its strategic goals are met.
U.S. Diplomatic Moves and Hezbollah’s Stance
In U.S. politics, President-elect Donald Trump appointed former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, a strong pro-Israel figure, as ambassador to Israel. Huckabee’s selection suggests a shift toward more robust U.S. support for Israel’s military actions, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. His opposition to calls for a ceasefire in Gaza aligns with Israel’s position.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese government, which includes Hezbollah, has consistently called for a ceasefire, arguing for the full implementation of a United Nations resolution that ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Peace
As both sides continue their military campaigns, the prospects for peace in Lebanon remain uncertain. While some diplomatic efforts are underway, the situation on the ground remains tense, with heavy casualties reported on both sides. The international community watches closely, hoping for an eventual de-escalation that could bring relief to Lebanon and the wider region.
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