Beirut Hit Again, Conflict Spiraling?
Israel launched airstrikes on Beirut's southern outskirts on Monday, after Hezbollah claimed to have launched rockets and drones toward Israel. The retaliatory action was described as a response to the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the latest in a series of escalations in the regional conflict.
The Israeli strikes hit a known Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut (Dahiyeh), and witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions. This was described as one of the most intense waves of attacks in Beirut since the major Israel-Hezbollah conflict in 2004.
The Israeli military also issued evacuation orders for several locations, including a broad warning for residents in several areas of Lebanon, amid concerns the operation could escalate and continue.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah issued a message of "retaliation" and stated that its attacks would continue, reinforcing signs that the Lebanese front could be reactivated amidst a larger regional conflict.
Regionally, this development adds to the list of flashpoints following the US-Israel-Iran escalation, and markets are once again monitoring the risk of the conflict spreading to neighboring countries.
Key points:
- Israel attacked southern Beirut after Hezbollah launched rockets and drones.
- Hezbollah called the attack retaliation for the assassination of Ali Khamenei.
- This wave of attacks is among the most intense in Beirut since the 2024 war.
- The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for several areas in Lebanon.
- The conflict risks widening and increasing regional uncertainty. (asd)
Source: Newsmaker.id
