Heavy strikes shake Beirut as Israel expands Lebanon campaign – The Economic Times
In a deeply unsettling turn of events, Israeli airstrikes struck Beirut’s southern suburbs late Thursday night, June 5, 2025, just hours before the Muslim festival Eid al-Adha was set to begin. The strikes—targeting areas believed to house Hezbollah drone facilities—sent shockwaves across Lebanon, prompting mass evacuations and renewed fears of a broader regional conflict.
Let’s unpack what happened and why it matters.
What Triggered the Airstrikes?
According to the Israeli military, the attacks were aimed at underground UAV (drone) production sites allegedly set up by Hezbollah in Dahiyeh, a densely populated suburb of Beirut. Israeli officials claimed these facilities were funded and directed by Iranian operatives, making them a national security threat.
Before the bombing, the Israeli army issued urgent evacuation warnings for four locations in the area. About 90 minutes later, over ten missiles were fired, lighting up the Beirut skyline and sending thick plumes of smoke into the air.
Thousands Forced to Flee
As news of the evacuation broke, panic spread fast. Families scrambled to get to safety—many leaving their homes on foot, as traffic gridlocked the streets. Some sought shelter with relatives; others had no choice but to sleep out in the open.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. The strikes occurred on the eve of Eid al-Adha, a major Islamic celebration. This added a layer of emotional trauma to an already chaotic situation.
“The attacks generated renewed panic and fear on the eve of Eid,” said the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon.
Was There Military Activity in the Area?
Here’s where things get murky. A Lebanese security source told Reuters that the army was tipped off earlier about suspected military gear in Dahiyeh. But after inspecting the area, troops reported nothing unusual.
When Israel issued its warning, Lebanese troops attempted to re-enter the site to investigate further—but were blocked by Israeli warning strikes.
There’s been no official comment from Hezbollah so far. In the past, the group has denied having military infrastructure in civilian areas.
Political Fallout: “A Blatant Violation”
Top Lebanese leaders quickly condemned the strikes. President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam called it a “blatant violation of international agreements,” accusing Israel of breaking the U.S.-brokered truce signed in November 2024.
This was not the first violation. Dahiyeh has been bombed four times since that ceasefire, which required Hezbollah to remove all weapons and fighters from southern Lebanon.
But both sides continue to accuse each other of failing to uphold the deal. Tensions have been mounting, especially as Israel maintains military positions on five hilltops in southern Lebanon.
A Recap of the Ongoing Conflict
Let’s rewind a bit. The current Israel–Hezbollah conflict flared up in October 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli positions in support of Hamas. Israel responded with an aggressive bombing campaign throughout 2024, killing thousands of Hezbollah fighters and eliminating key leaders—including Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s former secretary-general.
Despite the ceasefire, sporadic attacks and retaliations have continued, casting doubt on whether peace is even possible in the near future.
What Happens Next?
This latest escalation underscores a chilling reality: Lebanon remains a flashpoint in the broader Middle East conflict. With Israel alleging Iranian-backed drone activity and Lebanon denying such claims, truth becomes a casualty of war.
For ordinary people—especially families in Dahiyeh—safety and stability feel farther away than ever.
Why This Matters to You
Whether you’re in the region or watching from afar, events like this have global ripple effects. They shape foreign policy, impact energy markets, and influence international peacekeeping efforts.
If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: even ceasefires can be fragile. What we need now is transparency, accountability, and above all, humanity.
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