With expectations growing of an imminent ceasefire to stop the fighting in Lebanon, Israel has struck multiple targets in the Lebanese capital Beirut from the air, in particular targeting the city’s southern suburbs.
More than a year after the start of the war between Israel and the Hezbollah militia, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said on Tuesday that a ceasefire deal was just awaiting a green light from Israel.
“In principle, [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu agreed and we are agreed as a government,” Bou Habib told Italian television station Rai.
“The final decision is for the Israeli Cabinet,” the minister said.
According to media reports, Netanyahu is convening his security Cabinet later Tuesday to approve a 60-day ceasefire with Hezbollah.
Asked whether a ceasefire was 100% certain, Bou Habib said: “100% nobody can give you. You have to ask Mr Netanyahu for that.”
Israel: ‘Zerotolerance’ of ceasefire violations
Israel will take tough action against Hezbollah even after a ceasefire in the event of violations, the country’s defence minister said on Tuesday.
“It will no longer be as it was before,” said Israel Katz, according to his office, at a meeting with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert.
“We will act against any threat, anytime, anywhere,” Katz said.
“Any house in southern Lebanon that is rebuilt and used as a terrorist base will be destroyed,” Katz continued.
In addition, he said, action would be taken against any rearmament of Hezbollah and any attempted arms smuggling. “Any threat to our troops or Israeli citizens will be immediately destroyed.”
He emphasized that the Israeli government would show “zero tolerance” towards any violations of a ceasefire. At the same time, he called on the UN peacekeeping force, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to effectively implement a ceasefire.
Beirut targeted by multiple airstrikes
Even as expectations rose for a ceasefire, the Israeli Air Force carried out massive strikes on Beirut’s centre and the city’s southern suburbs, a hotbed of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement.
A building near the densely populated districts of Nuwairi and Ras al-Naba was bombed, according to witnesses and security sources.
At least seven people were killed and 37 people were injured, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry.
Samir, a resident of a building in the Ras Beirut district by the coast, told dpa: “I am trying to get my children out of the area … enough is enough.”
Later, dozens of simultaneous airstrikes hit the southern Dahiyeh suburbs. The sound of huge explosions echoed throughout the city and caused panic among residents.
Witnesses said thick clouds of smoke rose while parts of the suburbs were engulfed in a ring of fire.
Israel’s armed forces confirmed attacks on “terror targets,” without initially giving further details.
The army had issued evacuation warnings for at least 20 sites in Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Israel also attacked Burj al-Barajneh, another area in the southern suburbs. Residents reported that large explosions rocked the city.
At least six buildings were destroyed in the attack, according to Lebanese security sources.
As night fell the Israeli army issued more evacuation warnings to areas inside Beirut and flares were seen over the city.
Israeli troops reach Litani River
Further south in Lebanon, Israeli ground troops reached the symbolic Litani River during their advance into the neighbouring country, the military said on Tuesday.
The Israeli army published a picture on the social media platform X that apparently showed soldiers crossing a bridge over the river.
Numerous weapons and enemy infrastructure have been found and destroyed in the area, the message said.
As part of a ceasefire deal expected soon, Israel wants the Lebanese Hezbollah militia to withdraw permanently behind the Litani River, 30 kilometres from the official border. This withdrawal was also specified in UN resolution 1701, which marked the end of the last Lebanon War in 2006.
The agreement provides, among other things, calls for the full implementation of the resolution and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon.
Smoke billows from multiple sites in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a stronghold of pro-Iranian Hezbollah, following heavy Israeli airstrikes amid ongoing clashes. Meanwhile, Israel’s security cabinet is reportedly finalizing details to approve a potential ceasefire plan with Hezbollah. Marwan Naamani/dpa
