Israel intensified its airstrikes in Beirut, leading to the death of at least 10 individuals and the destruction of a 10-story building near the city center, as reported by Lebanese authorities during the third week of the conflict with Hezbollah. Additionally, two more individuals lost their lives in an airstrike in Lebanon’s western Bekaa Valley. Israeli warplanes targeted bridges over the Litani River connecting southern Lebanon to the rest of the country, demolishing two of them, according to Lebanese state media.
The Israeli military aimed to disrupt Hezbollah’s movement of fighters and arms by targeting bridges on the Litani River and advised residents to evacuate the south. The ongoing Hezbollah-Israel conflict marks the deadliest consequence of the U.S.-Israeli tension with Iran since the Iran-supported group engaged in hostilities with Israel on March 2.
The death toll from Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon rose to 968 on Wednesday, up from 912 the previous day, as reported by Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Among the casualties are 116 children and 77 women, with over a million people displaced in Lebanon due to the conflict.
The strikes continued throughout the night and into the morning, illuminating the sky over the southern suburbs of Beirut controlled by Hezbollah, which have faced significant bombardment from Israel. The escalation in central Beirut saw Israel targeting four buildings within eight hours following a substantial rocket attack by Hezbollah against Israel the previous night.
The Israeli military stated that preemptive strikes had thwarted the Hezbollah assault, with overnight strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon. The airstrikes in Beirut hit buildings near the rebuilt downtown area post the civil war and close to the Lebanese government headquarters, in neighborhoods historically inhabited by Shia Muslims, where Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement, wield political influence.
Israel confirmed targeting Hezbollah’s financial institution, Al-Qard Al-Hassan, in Beirut, and engaging Hezbollah militants in the city. The strikes in various districts of Beirut caused significant destruction, with reports of casualties and widespread displacement. The situation remains tense as both sides continue to engage in military actions, resulting in further casualties and destruction.