Israel Strikes Beirut in Rare Attack Post-Ceasefire with Hezbollah
In a significant escalation, the Israeli military has conducted its first airstrike on Beirut since agreeing to a ceasefire with Hezbollah in November 2023. The strike, which occurred on March 28, 2025, targeted a drone storage facility in Dahiyeh, a confirmed Hezbollah stronghold in the city's southern suburbs. The Israeli army used social media to warn civilians to evacuate the area prior to the attack, emphasizing its intent to retaliate against missile strikes launched from Lebanon into northern Israel, according to military sources.
Lebanon's government responded by closing all schools and universities in the Hadath suburb, where the strike took place. Reports from Associated Press journalists noted visible smoke and heard explosions in the area, which also includes residential buildings and schools. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that stability in northern Israel is contingent on peace in Beirut.
Tensions have risen since Hezbollah's attacks on Israel in response to the conflict involving Hamas. While the ceasefire was meant to ensure Israeli troop withdrawals from Lebanon, Israel has continued targeted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, primarily aimed at Hezbollah.
Lebanon