Beirut is under heavy bombardment as Israeli forces continue a sustained campaign of airstrikes targeting Lebanon, escalating a conflict that is increasingly viewed as a widening front in the broader tensions with Iran. The strikes, focused on the southern suburbs of the capital, a stronghold of Hezbollah, have prompted mass evacuations and raised concerns about a potential ground incursion. More than 120 people have been killed in Israel’s attacks on Lebanon since Monday, according to reports from Al Jazeera.
The intensification of hostilities comes as the U.S.-Israel war with Iran expands, drawing in Iran’s proxy force, Hezbollah, more directly. The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings for parts of Beirut and large areas of southern Lebanon prior to the latest attacks, indicating a potential escalation of military operations. The situation is rapidly evolving, with both sides signaling a willingness to escalate further.
Evacuations and Civilian Impact
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has ordered the evacuation of the Dahiyeh area, a densely populated residential and commercial hub in southern Beirut, effectively forcing the evacuation of a significant portion of the city. More than 300,000 people have evacuated southern Lebanon, according to the IDF. The IDF has similarly warned residents south of the Litani River in Lebanon to abandon their homes and evacuate north, raising fears of a large-scale ground operation. Smoke rises from Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, March 3, 2026. AP News reports that the order is raising concerns among residents that this could signify a significant incursion by IDF forces.
Smoke rises from Israeli airstrikes in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, March 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
The Lebanese Health Ministry reports at least 77 people have been killed and 527 others wounded since Israel resumed strikes on Lebanon on Monday. Traffic jams have formed on main roads as residents attempt to comply with the evacuation orders, creating a chaotic scene in the capital. The BBC reports that residents are panicked and attempting to flee the city.
Hezbollah’s Response and Regional Implications
Hezbollah has warned Israelis living within 5km of the Lebanese border to abandon their homes, signaling a potential escalation of attacks into northern Israel. The group has stated We see ready for an “open war” with Israel, according to the Associated Press. Exclusive sources cited by Reuters indicate that Hezbollah elite fighters have returned to southern Lebanon to prepare for potential clashes with Israeli troops.
The conflict is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing tensions between Israel and Iran. The New York Times reports that the strikes are part of a wider conflict with Iran, with Hezbollah acting as a key proxy force. The U.S. Is closely monitoring the situation, and there are concerns that the conflict could further destabilize the region.
What to Watch Next
The immediate future remains highly uncertain. The IDF’s warnings and continued airstrikes suggest a potential ground incursion into southern Lebanon is increasingly likely. The extent to which Hezbollah will escalate its attacks on Israel will also be a key factor in determining the trajectory of the conflict. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation are ongoing, but the prospects for a swift resolution appear dim. The situation is fluid and requires continued monitoring as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensifies.
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