Israel has launched airstrikes on Lebanon, targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut on Friday, March 28. The attack comes after months of ceasefire, putting the agreement at risk, according to a report by Reuters.
The Israeli military claims the airstrike was in response to a rocket attack from Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that they are prepared to strike any location in Lebanon if necessary to ensure security and uphold the ceasefire conditions.
He warned that those who had not learned from past conflicts would now understand Israel’s commitment to protecting its citizens.
The airstrike hit a building in the Dahieh district, which Israel claims was used by Hezbollah to store drones. Dahieh is known as a Hezbollah stronghold.
Last year, Israel conducted frequent airstrikes in southern Beirut, significantly weakening Hezbollah’s leadership. One such attack resulted in the death of the group’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who had led Hezbollah for three decades.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon was reached in November 2024. The deal required Hezbollah to disarm and withdraw from southern Lebanon while Lebanese military forces were to take control of the area. In return, Israeli forces agreed to withdraw. However, both sides have accused each other of violating the agreement.
Tensions have escalated in recent weeks as Israel has delayed its troop withdrawal, citing Lebanon’s failure to deploy its forces to neutralize Hezbollah.
On March 22, Israel claimed to have intercepted a missile launched from Beirut, prompting Friday’s airstrike. Hezbollah has denied any involvement in the attack, and no group has officially claimed responsibility.
The Lebanese army has stated that it has identified the missile launch site and has launched an investigation to find those responsible.