Israel Conducts Intense Airstrikes on Beirut After Hezbollah's Rocket Assault
Synopsis
In a dramatic escalation, Israeli warplanes launched extensive airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs following a rocket attack from Hezbollah. This situation heightens tensions in the region, prompting urgent responses from both sides and raising fears of further conflict.
Key Takeaways
Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah stronghold in Dahieh.
Escalation follows rocket attacks from Lebanon.
Hezbollah retaliated for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader.
Lebanese PM warns against further conflict.
No casualties reported yet.
Beirut/Jerusalem, March 2 (NationPress) In the early hours of Monday, Israeli fighter jets conducted a series of aggressive airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut. This action came just hours after rockets were launched from Lebanon towards Israel, as reported by the local television station al-Jadeed.
The Israeli military targeted Dahieh, a known stronghold of Hezbollah in Beirut's southern suburbs, causing many residents to evacuate due to escalating tensions. Emergency services swiftly arrived to assist those injured, although no official casualty figures have been released, according to Xinhua news agency.
Hezbollah announced that the rocket and drone attacks were a direct response to the recent killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated Israeli and U.S. strikes.
In their statement, Hezbollah expressed, "In retaliation for the unjust bloodshed of the Guardian of the Muslims by the criminal Zionist enemy, and in defense of Lebanon and its citizens, the Islamic Resistance targeted the Mishmar HaCarmel missile defense site south of the occupied city of Haifa just after midnight on March 2, 2026, using advanced rockets and drones."
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the rocket assault and cautioned against further entanglement in conflict.
"We will take necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Lebanese people and prevent the country from descending into chaos," Salam stated, emphasizing that the rocket launch from southern Lebanon poses a dangerous threat to national security and provides Israel with excuses to continue its operations.
In response, the Israeli military characterized its airstrikes as "forceful," declaring them necessary due to the projectiles launched by Hezbollah, highlighting their operations against Hezbollah's involvement in this ongoing conflict.
While specific targets were not disclosed by the military, Israel's state-run Kan 11 TV reported that multiple strikes were executed in the Dahieh area of Beirut.
The Hezbollah offensive prompted air raid sirens in Haifa, the Upper Galilee, and the Golan Heights. The Israeli military indicated that some projectiles were intercepted, while others landed in uninhabited regions, with no casualties reported.
Point of View
It is essential to remain unbiased while covering this sensitive situation. The recent military actions from both Israel and Hezbollah highlight a volatile conflict that requires careful monitoring. Both sides are responding to provocations, and the situation merits a cautious approach to prevent further escalation and protect civilian lives.
NationPress
6 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the recent airstrikes by Israel?
The airstrikes were initiated in response to rockets fired by Hezbollah from Lebanese territory toward Israel.
What areas were affected by the Israeli airstrikes?
The Israeli military targeted the Dahieh district, a known Hezbollah stronghold in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
How did Hezbollah respond to the attacks?
Hezbollah stated that their rocket and drone attacks were retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
What was the reaction of the Lebanese government?
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the rocket attack and warned against escalating conflict in the region.
Were there any casualties reported from the airstrikes?
As of now, no official casualty figures have been reported.
