Beirut and southern Lebanon came under heavy bombardment by Israeli forces Wednesday night and into Thursday, following a significant escalation in hostilities with Hezbollah. The attacks, which included coordinated strikes with Iran, mark a dangerous turn in the regional conflict that began two weeks ago with the US-Israel war on Iran. The intensity of the fighting has prompted widespread displacement and raised fears of a broader regional war.
Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets and drones toward northern Israel on Wednesday evening, injuring two people, according to reports. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards subsequently confirmed a “joint and integrated operation” with Hezbollah, involving missile attacks targeting over 50 sites in Israel, including military bases in Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Beersheba. This coordinated assault represents the first instance of direct collaboration between Iran and Hezbollah in attacks against Israel since the start of the current conflict.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Chewed Wheat” by Hezbollah – a reference to a Quranic verse – is seen as a significant escalation by the group, which has reportedly been rebuilding its capabilities after facing nearly two years of daily airstrikes by Israel. Lebanon is increasingly becoming a central battleground as the war in Iran continues to expand, impacting the wider Middle East.
Israeli warplanes responded swiftly to Hezbollah’s strikes, launching a powerful bombardment of Beirut’s southern suburbs. Videos circulating online showed buildings collapsing and streets filled with smoke. A particularly devastating strike in the early hours of Thursday hit the Ramlet al-Baida neighborhood in central Beirut, a coastal area where displaced families had been sheltering. At least seven people were killed in that strike, according to Lebanon’s health ministry, with another 17 injured in attacks on the southern suburbs. Further casualties are expected as rescue efforts continue.
Escalating Violence and Displacement
In southern Lebanon, Israeli forces stated they were targeting Hezbollah missile launchers, warning residents to evacuate immediately. More than 816,700 families have already registered as displaced with the Lebanese state, a number expected to rise as Israeli airstrikes continue and displacement orders expand. Israeli strikes have resulted in at least 634 deaths and 1,586 injuries in less than ten days of fighting.
The escalation comes as Israeli officials signaled a potential widening of their campaign against Hezbollah. Israel’s security cabinet convened Wednesday night to discuss strategies to halt the group’s rocket launches into Israeli territory. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, head of the Israeli military, ordered the redeployment of the Golani Brigade from Gaza to the northern border with Lebanon. The Golani Brigade specializes in offensive ground operations, leading analysts to suggest a potential large-scale ground invasion of Lebanon is being considered. Hezbollah is reportedly preparing for such an eventuality.
Hezbollah’s Preparations and Regional Concerns
Hezbollah fighters have been engaging Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, particularly around strategic locations in the eastern part of the country, such as hilltops near al-Khiam. Small units of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force are reportedly conducting autonomous ambushes against Israeli troops engaged in raids in southern Lebanon. The group has spent the past year and a half since a November 2024 ceasefire rebuilding its infrastructure and consolidating its organization, despite Israel’s efforts to dismantle its leadership and fighting force during a previous 13-month conflict.
The Lebanese government has called on Hezbollah to cease its attacks on Israel, asserting the state’s monopoly on violence. However, the government’s understaffed and underequipped army has been unable to directly confront the powerful armed group, fearing it could provoke civil strife in a country with a history of sectarian division. With French assistance, the Lebanese government has appealed to the international community for a ceasefire and negotiations with Israel, while also vowing to curb Hezbollah’s activities. However, both Israel and the United States remain skeptical of the Lebanese government’s ability to disarm Hezbollah, with Israel appearing determined to address the issue directly.
Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, expressed doubt regarding the Lebanese government’s efforts, questioning the evidence of any dismantling of Hezbollah and asking about operations against launch sites and seizures of weapons. “Where is your military?” Danon stated.
The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation. The coordinated attacks by Hezbollah and Iran, coupled with Israel’s forceful response, underscore the growing risk of a wider regional conflict. The coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can de-escalate the situation or if the region will descend further into war.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
