Israel intensified its military operations against Hezbollah on Sunday, targeting southern Beirut neighborhoods and issuing evacuation orders for residents. The move came hours after Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets at Israeli military bases in the Haifa area, wounding two civilians when a synagogue was struck.
Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced the evacuation orders on X, emphasizing the urgency for residents in three areas of Beirut’s southern suburbs to leave ahead of strikes targeting multiple buildings. The targeted areas are strongholds for Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group actively supporting Hamas in Gaza.
Escalation in Lebanon
Overnight, Israeli airstrikes and artillery barrages hit the southern Lebanese town of Khiam, located six kilometers from the border. The state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported heavy shelling, following what Israel described as a “massive rocket barrage” on Haifa. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack, marking a significant escalation in cross-border hostilities.
Israel’s military reported targeting a Hezbollah weapons storage facility and command center in Beirut. Strikes also extended to the southern city of Tyre, impacting areas near UNESCO-listed ruins, and the eastern Bekaa Valley, where six people, including three children, were killed.
Context of the Conflict
The conflict stems from heightened tensions after Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, which killed over 1,200 civilians and military personnel. In response, Israel launched extensive operations in Gaza and southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has been increasingly involved, firing dozens of projectiles at Israel daily. Israel’s military chief stated that Hezbollah has “paid a big price,” yet ongoing operations aim to secure northern Israel and facilitate the safe return of displaced residents.
Civilian Impact and Humanitarian Crisis
The war’s toll continues to climb. In Gaza, intensified Israeli operations have devastated northern regions like Jabalia and Beit Lahia. The Gaza health ministry reports over 43,799 deaths since the conflict began, with a significant majority being civilians. The United Nations has warned of an imminent famine in northern Gaza due to disrupted aid and heightened hostilities.
A recent Human Rights Watch report accused Israel of crimes against humanity through mass displacement, allegations Israel has firmly denied. The United States, Israel’s primary ally, also dismissed genocide accusations as baseless.
Diplomatic Stalemate
Efforts to mediate a truce between Israel and Hamas remain stalled. Qatar, previously a key mediator, suspended its involvement, citing a lack of “seriousness” from both sides. In Lebanon, U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson proposed a 13-point plan to halt the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which includes a 60-day truce and the deployment of Lebanese troops to the border. Israel has not formally responded.
Regional Implications
The conflict extends beyond Lebanon and Gaza, with Israel striking Islamic Jihad targets in Syria. The Damascus airstrike killed senior Islamic Jihad figures Abdel Aziz Minawi and Rasmi Yusuf Abu Issa, confirming Israel’s continued operations against Iranian-backed groups across the region. Islamic Jihad, along with Hamas and Hezbollah, remains a focal point of Israel’s broader security concerns.
Mounting Protests in Israel
In Tel Aviv, protests continued over the government’s handling of the war and the unresolved hostage crisis. Demonstrators demanded swift action to secure the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza, as public dissatisfaction grows over the prolonged conflict.
Conclusion
The escalation in Lebanon underscores the growing complexity of Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah, as hostilities ripple across multiple fronts. Diplomatic avenues remain fraught, while the humanitarian crisis deepens in Gaza. As both sides brace for prolonged confrontations, the prospects for peace appear increasingly distant.
