War – Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut After Rocket Fire
War – Israeli aircraft launched a series of air raids before dawn on Monday, striking Beirut’s southern outskirts after rockets were fired from Lebanon toward northern Israel overnight. The developments mark a sharp intensification in cross-border hostilities that have unsettled both sides of the frontier.
Airstrikes Target Beirut’s Southern Suburbs
According to Lebanon’s al-Jadeed television channel, multiple explosions were heard across Dahieh, a densely populated district widely regarded as a stronghold of Hezbollah in the southern suburbs of the capital. The bombardment began just hours after projectiles were launched from Lebanese territory in the direction of Israel.
Residents in the affected neighborhoods fled their homes as the strikes unfolded, fearing further escalation. Emergency responders and ambulances were dispatched to the scene to transport the wounded, though authorities did not immediately release an official casualty count. The extent of the damage was still being assessed as daylight broke over the city.
Hezbollah Claims Responsibility for Rocket and Drone Launch
Hezbollah confirmed in a statement that it had fired rockets and deployed drones toward Israel shortly after midnight between Sunday and Monday. The group described the operation as retaliation for the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in what it said were joint Israeli and United States strikes on Iranian territory on Saturday.
In its statement, Hezbollah said it targeted the Mishmar HaCarmel missile defense installation located south of Haifa. The group characterized the attack as a response to what it called an unjust act and said it was intended to defend Lebanon and its population.
Israeli Military Responds With “Forceful” Strikes
Israel’s military said it carried out what it described as “forceful” strikes across Lebanon in response to the incoming rockets and drones. In a statement, the military said the operation was aimed at countering Hezbollah’s involvement in the ongoing campaign.
While the army did not provide detailed information about specific targets, Israel’s state broadcaster Kan 11 reported that several strikes hit the Dahieh district in Beirut.
On the Israeli side, air raid sirens sounded in Haifa, the Upper Galilee, and the Golan Heights after the projectiles were detected. The military said some of the rockets were intercepted by its air defense systems, while others landed in open areas. No injuries were reported in Israel following the incident.
Lebanese Leadership Warns Against Wider Conflict
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam strongly criticized the rocket fire from southern Lebanon, warning that such actions risk drawing the country into a broader confrontation.
In remarks issued Monday, Salam said the government would not permit Lebanon to be pulled into what he described as new and dangerous ventures. He pledged that authorities would pursue those responsible for the launches and take steps to safeguard the Lebanese population.
Salam added that the rocket attack, regardless of who was behind it, jeopardized national security and provided justification for further Israeli military operations on Lebanese soil.
Rising Tensions Across the Border
The exchange of fire underscores growing instability along the Israel-Lebanon border, where sporadic clashes have periodically flared amid broader regional tensions. Analysts say the latest developments could further strain diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a wider conflict in the Middle East.
As both sides assess the aftermath of the strikes and rocket launches, regional observers are closely monitoring whether the confrontation will remain limited or expand in the coming days.