Israeli air strikes hit multiple locations in southern Beirut late Thursday night, targeting what the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described as underground drone production facilities operated by Hezbollah.
The strikes, which came on the eve of Eid Al-Adha, triggered widespread panic and condemnation from Lebanese leaders.
The IDF said the targeted facility had been producing “thousands” of drones with financial and technical support from Iran.
“This operation is part of our efforts to neutralize Hezbollah’s aerial threat, which continues to violate the ceasefire and pose a danger to Israel,” a military statement read.
The air strikes followed warnings from Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee, who urged residents of Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Borj el-Barajneh to evacuate.
The warnings sparked a mass exodus from the densely populated Dahieh district, where Hezbollah maintains a strong presence. Gridlocked streets and rising plumes of smoke followed the impact.
Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the attacks, calling them “systematic and deliberate acts of aggression” and warning that they threaten Lebanon’s stability, especially during a religious and tourist season.
President Joseph Aoun echoed the sentiment, branding the strikes a “flagrant violation” of international accords. Hezbollah has not officially responded.
The attack is the latest in a series of Israeli strikes in Lebanon since a ceasefire deal was brokered in late 2024. Though not directly involving Hezbollah, the truce included provisions for both sides to retain their right to self-defence under international law.
Tensions have remained high since Hezbollah began coordinated strikes in solidarity with Gaza following Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel. A previous Israeli offensive in southern Lebanon led to over 4,000 deaths and the displacement of more than a million people.
