Israeli Airstrikes Target Hezbollah in Beirut Amid Rising Tensions

Israeli military forces conducted two early morning airstrikes on Wednesday in the Haret Hreik neighborhood of southern Beirut, known as a stronghold of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. These strikes, the first in several days, targeted underground weapons storage facilities, as part of Israel’s ongoing campaign against the group.

Civilian Concerns and Warnings Issued

The Israeli military had issued a warning shortly before the strikes, advising residents to evacuate the vicinity of a specific building located across from a school. The targeted area is less than 200 meters from another educational institution, raising concerns about civilian safety. Despite the precision of the strikes, there have been no immediate reports of casualties.

Context of Ongoing Conflict

Haret Hreik, part of the Dahiya neighborhoods in Beirut, has a history of destruction from the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. Since last month, Israel has intensified its military actions in the area, aiming to eliminate key Hezbollah figures and dismantle its arsenal.

International Reactions

The situation has drawn international scrutiny. U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller expressed concerns over the civilian toll resulting from Israel’s bombing campaign in Beirut. The Biden administration reportedly received assurances from Israel regarding a reduction in airstrikes targeting the Lebanese capital.

Lebanon’s caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the impact of airstrikes on hospitals, which are nearing breaking points due to the ongoing conflict.

Broader Humanitarian Issues

In addition to the strikes in Beirut, the U.S. has warned Israel to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza, threatening consequences if aid levels do not improve. The State Department has noted that the current levels of assistance are the lowest recorded in the past year.

Calls for Accountability

The U.N. human rights office has called for an investigation into an Israeli airstrike in northern Lebanon that resulted in at least 21 fatalities, suggesting potential violations of international law.

Medical Evacuations and U.S. Military Support

On the ground in Israel, the Israeli Supreme Court has demanded clarification from the government regarding the lack of a comprehensive system for evacuating sick Gazans for medical treatment. Concurrently, U.S. military personnel have arrived to prepare for the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, aimed at countering potential threats from Iran.