In a significant escalation, Israel conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah arms facilities in southern Beirut on Saturday. The offensive followed rocket attacks launched by the Lebanese armed group into northern Israel and a reported drone attempt targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's holiday home. Fortunately, Netanyahu was not present during the incident, and it remains unclear if the building was hit. He condemned the attack as a \"grave mistake\" and labeled it an assassination attempt by Hezbollah.
Israel's military stated that the strikes targeted \"a number of Hezbollah weapons storage facilities and a Hezbollah intelligence headquarters command center.\" These actions come amid ongoing tensions as Israel prepares to retaliate against an Iranian missile barrage earlier this month.
Hezbollah has been actively engaging with Israel since the conflict with Hamas in Gaza reignited last October. On Saturday alone, the group launched approximately 200 projectiles towards Israeli territory. In response, Israel destroyed tunnel shafts and underground infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
The violence has taken a heavy toll on civilians. According to reports, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon since the conflict began have resulted in 2,448 deaths and injured 11,471 individuals. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli bombardments have killed at least 73 people, left 2.3 million residents homeless, and severely strained essential services, including hospitals and schools.
In Beirut's southern suburbs, the heavy strikes by Israel left thick plumes of smoke lingering over the city into the evening. Hezbollah has yet to comment on the alleged drone attack targeting Netanyahu's holiday home.
The situation remains tense as both sides continue their military operations, raising concerns about further escalation in the region.
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Israel pounds Beirut and Gaza after rockets hit Israel's north
cgtn.com
