Israel Executes Significant Airstrike in Southern Beirut
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Synopsis
On March 28, Israeli airstrikes targeted a structure in Beirut's southern suburbs, representing the first assault since the ceasefire established on November 27. The strikes aimed at a Hezbollah drone facility, causing panic among civilians and triggering evacuations.
Key Takeaways
- Israeli airstrikes hit a building in southern Beirut.
- First attack since November 27 ceasefire.
- Target was a drone storage facility linked to Hezbollah.
- Civilians were warned to evacuate a 300-meter radius.
- Lebanese President received updates on the situation during an international summit.
Beirut/Jerusalem, March 28 (NationPress) An Israeli airstrike targeted a building in Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday, marking the initial assault since a ceasefire was established on November 27.
The Israeli military stated it aimed for a “drone storage facility” associated with Hezbollah in Dahieh, a stronghold of the Shiite militant group located near the Lebanese capital.
Currently, there are no immediate reports of casualties or damage.
Prior to the strike, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued an evacuation alert via social media, instructing civilians to vacate a 300-meter perimeter around the targeted site. IDF Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee shared a map indicating the location and urged prompt evacuation.
Witnesses recounted scenes of chaos as families hurriedly left their residences, with some evacuating schools in a rush. Children were observed departing in their pyjamas. The Lebanese Ministry of Education mandated the closure of all public and private schools, secondary institutions, vocational centers, and the Rafik Hariri University Complex in proximity to the affected area.
Earlier in the day, rockets were launched from southern Lebanon towards northern Israel, including the town of Kiryat Shmona. The IDF reported that one rocket was intercepted by the Iron Dome defense system, while another landed within Lebanese territory.
A senior Hezbollah official informed Lebanese broadcaster Al-Mayadeen that the group was not accountable for the rocket fire. The IDF confirmed retaliatory strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon following the attack.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz cautioned that “if there is no peace in Kiryat Shmona, there will be no peace in Beirut,” asserting that Lebanon’s government is responsible for hostile actions originating from its territory.
Lebanese health officials reported two fatalities and 21 injuries due to Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon, including in Kfar Tebnit and Yahmar. The state-run National News Agency (NNA) indicated that Israeli warplanes executed approximately 40 strikes, targeting areas from Jezzine to Nabatieh.
The ceasefire established in November 2024 concluded over a year of border skirmishes linked to the Gaza conflict but has been intermittently disrupted by violence, according to the Xinhua news agency. Israel continues to maintain forces at five border positions, having missed a February 2025 withdrawal deadline, and persists in strikes aimed at countering “Hezbollah threats.” Hezbollah insists it remains committed to the truce while accusing Israel of fabricating justifications for its assaults.
In the meantime, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun was briefed about an Israeli threat targeting Beirut's southern suburbs during a meeting in Paris with leaders from France, Syria, Greece, and Cyprus, as reported by Lebanese media.
Aoun conveyed the information to the summit participants and is closely monitoring the situation as discussions progress.
At a press conference after the meeting, French President Emmanuel Macron, standing next to Aoun, declared that he would engage with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the forthcoming days. He stressed that “at this stage, no activity can justify today’s Israeli strikes,” deeming them a violation of the ceasefire.
