Israel launched at least five strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs overnight, targeting Hezbollah sites. The Lebanese security source confirmed the strikes, and the Israeli military issued evacuation orders for buildings in the city. Smoke and multiple explosions were reported in one area. Tensions escalated after Iran fired almost 200 missiles at Israel, vowing to target infrastructure if attacked. Hezbollah claimed to have repelled Israeli forces in Lebanon. Meanwhile, a Palestinian news agency reported nine people killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza. The IDF stated that they targeted Hamas-operated facilities with measures to minimize civilian casualties. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin condemned Iran’s attack on Israel as an “outrageous act of aggression.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran of consequences for the attack.
The Israeli strike on Beirut comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following Iran’s missile barrage on Israel and subsequent US and UK involvement. The Iranian foreign minister stated that the country’s action was concluded unless Israel invites further retaliation. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ordered the missile launch, and Iran defended it as a response to Israeli terrorist acts. US destroyers intercepted Iranian missiles, while a shooting and knife attack in Jaffa left six people dead and 10 wounded. French President Macron condemned Iran’s attack and called for an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon. The situation remains volatile as the region faces the risk of further escalation.
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