The attacks occurred hours after the office of the Israeli Prime Minister clarified that the recent ceasefire deal between the United States and Iran did not extend to Hezbollah operations in Lebanon.
Lebanon’s health minister reported that the strikes caused hundreds of casualties, with explosions hitting residential areas in Beirut and surrounding regions. Massive columns of smoke were visible across the skyline as residents reported that the attacks occurred without prior warnings to evacuate targeted buildings.
The operation, named “Roar of the Lion,” marks the most extensive Israeli military action in Lebanon since the conflict began. The Israeli Air Force focused on destroying strategic Hezbollah command centers and military infrastructure across Beirut, the Bekaa Valley, and southern Lebanon, aiming to degrade the organization’s operational capabilities.
Witnesses described scenes of widespread destruction, with residential neighborhoods severely impacted. The precision of the strikes and the speed of the attack left little time for civilian evacuation, raising concerns about humanitarian implications.
Israeli officials said the strikes were based on intelligence gathered over several weeks and intended to weaken Hezbollah’s capacity to conduct future operations. Analysts note that this escalation could heighten tensions across the region and complicate broader diplomatic efforts.
The large-scale military operation underscores Israel’s strategic focus on neutralizing threats from Hezbollah while signaling a strong deterrent posture in the Middle East.
