The Beirut Boom: Israel Strikes Hezbollah Targets
TEL AVIV — In the wee hours of Wednesday, explosions rocked Beirut, painting the city’s skyline with fire and smoke as the Israeli military confirmed its targeted strikes on “Hezbollah targets.”
Residents in certain southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital were advised to evacuate their homes as IDF Arabic spokesperson Avichay Adraee cautioned them about their proximity to “facilities and interests belonging to Hezbollah.”
Following Iran’s launch of at least 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday night, tensions in the region have continued to escalate.
The night sky of Israel was illuminated with the orange streaks of missiles as air raid sirens blared, prompting residents to seek safety in bomb shelters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised retribution for Iran’s actions, labeling it a “big mistake.”
The IDF assured that Israel’s Air Force operational capabilities remained intact despite Iran’s missile strikes and declared its intent to carry out further strikes in the Middle East overnight.
“The Air Force is operating at full capacity, and tonight it will launch powerful strikes in the Middle East, as it has been doing over the past year,” stated IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari.
Hagari emphasized Israel’s commitment to targeting Hezbollah commanders and any individuals posing a threat to Israeli civilians.
“Iran’s actions tonight have set the stage for heightened tensions in the Middle East. We will respond at our discretion,” added Hagari.
In Tehran, supporters celebrated Iran’s missile attack on Israel, waving flags of Iran, Lebanon, and Hezbollah, while honoring slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Similar celebrations were observed in parts of Gaza and the West Bank.
Prior to Iran’s attack, Israel had dealt severe blows to Hezbollah leadership in Lebanon, leading to a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon to pressure the Iran-backed militant group. Hezbollah had been launching rockets into Israel since the start of the conflict in Gaza.
Israeli strikes have resulted in over 1,000 casualties in Lebanon over the past fortnight, with nearly a quarter being women and children, as reported by the Health Ministry. — Euronews
