Israel intensified airstrikes in Beirut on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 individuals and the destruction of a 10-story building near the city center during the third week of its conflict with Hezbollah, as confirmed by Lebanese authorities. An additional two casualties were reported in an airstrike in Lebanon’s western Bekaa Valley. Israeli warplanes also targeted bridges over the Litani River in southern Lebanon, destroying at least two of them, according to Lebanese state media.
Israeli military operations aimed at preventing Hezbollah from moving fighters and weapons involved targeting bridges over the Litani River, with a reiterated warning for residents to evacuate the southern region. The ongoing Hezbollah-Israel confrontation has emerged as the deadliest overflow from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran since the Iran-backed group supported Tehran by attacking 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. This toll includes 116 children and 77 women, with over one million individuals displaced in Lebanon due to the conflict. Beirut experienced continuous bombardment, with strikes lighting up the sky over the southern suburbs controlled by Hezbollah.
In response to a large rocket assault by Hezbollah on Israel the previous night, Israeli forces intensified their strikes, targeting four buildings in central Beirut. The Israeli military stated that preemptive strikes had thwarted the Hezbollah attack and that overnight operations had struck Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon.
The airstrikes in Beirut struck buildings close to the rebuilt downtown area post the civil war and the Lebanese government’s headquarters. The targeted areas are known for their mix of Shia Muslims and political influence held by Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement. Notably, Hezbollah’s al-Manar TV reported the death of one of its broadcasters, Mohammad Sherri, and his wife in the strikes.
Israel disclosed that it targeted a Hezbollah-run financial institution, Al-Qard Al-Hassan, in Beirut, and engaged Hezbollah militants in the city. The strikes resulted in the destruction of several buildings in different districts of Beirut, with warnings issued for some but not all targeted locations.
While no fatalities were reported in Israel from Hezbollah attacks, Israeli forces suffered casualties during the ground offensive in southern Lebanon. The conflict also saw deadly airstrikes in eastern and southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah maintains influence. Reports indicated casualties in various locations across Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes.
Overall, the situation remains tense, with both sides engaged in escalating military actions.