By Atoyebi Nike
Israel said Friday it will keep attacking Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed. The warning followed airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. Lebanese leaders called the attack a serious truce violation.
The Israeli military said it targeted underground drone factories. The strikes came ahead of Eid al-Adha, a major Muslim holiday.
Smoke rose over Beirut after the raid. Israel had issued evacuation warnings an hour earlier. Many residents fled the area.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said peace in Lebanon depends on Israeli security. “If agreements aren’t kept, we will act — with force,” he said.
The November ceasefire required Hezbollah to pull north of the Litani River. Israel was also expected to withdraw from Lebanese territory. But it has kept troops in five areas it deems strategic.
Lebanon’s army says it has dismantled more than 500 Hezbollah sites. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam confirmed the removal of arms depots and outposts.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel says Hezbollah is expanding drone operations. The group allegedly plans more attacks using unmanned aircraft.
Strikes on Beirut are rare. Most Israeli attacks since the truce have focused on southern Lebanon. The latest raid marked a sharp escalation.
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack. He said it violated sovereignty and disrespected a religious holiday. Prime Minister Salam echoed his remarks.
One resident, Violette, said she fled after receiving a call. “A man said he was from the Israeli army,” she said. “I ran with my children.”
Israel also ordered evacuations in Ain Qana, 20 kilometers from the border. It later struck a building there, claiming it was a Hezbollah base.
Hezbollah began attacks on northern Israel in October 2023. The group said it acted in support of Hamas.
Months of fighting followed. Several Hezbollah leaders were killed. Many weapons sites were destroyed. The group’s capabilities have been weakened.
Despite that, tensions remain high. Each side blames the other for violating the ceasefire. The risk of renewed war is growing.
