On the eve of Eid Al Adha, one of the most important Islamic festivals, Israel launched air strikes on southern Beirut, targeting what it claimed was a drone production facility operated by Hezbollah. The strikes took place in the Dahieh suburb, a known stronghold of the Iran-backed militant group, sparking public panic and large-scale evacuations.

According to the Israel Defense Forces, the operation was aimed at destroying a Hezbollah unit allegedly manufacturing thousands of drones with support from Iranian sources. Israeli Defence Minister praised the military’s action and stated that Lebanon’s government must be held responsible for failing to prevent such threats from within its territory.

Panic and Evacuation Before Strikes

The air strikes occurred just hours before Eid prayers were to begin. Residents of Hadath, Haret Hreik and Borj el Barajneh, neighbourhoods in southern Beirut, were asked to evacuate by an Israeli military spokesperson who posted a map highlighting the targeted buildings.

Thousands rushed to leave the area, causing a massive traffic gridlock. Smoke was later seen rising over Dahieh, although no casualties or injuries were reported.

Lebanese Leaders Condemn the Attack

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the strikes strongly, calling them a deliberate attack on Lebanon’s sovereignty, economy and national morale on the eve of a sacred festival and the start of the tourist season.

President Joseph Aoun also criticised the attack, describing it as a serious violation of international agreements and adding that it spread fear among citizens preparing for religious observance.

United Nations Calls for Calm

The Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon expressed concern over the situation. It noted that the timing of the strikes generated renewed panic among civilians and stressed the importance of diplomacy to resolve disputes and prevent unnecessary escalation.

UN representative Jeannine Hennis-Plasschaert urged both sides to refrain from actions that could trigger another round of fighting and to uphold existing agreements.

Israel Justifies Military Action

The Israeli military accused Hezbollah of breaching previous understandings by continuing to produce and deploy surveillance and combat drones. It said the Dahieh facility was central to operations that threatened Israel’s northern region and referred to the drone activities as a breach of ceasefire terms.

Israeli authorities maintain that drone usage by Hezbollah has increased significantly since 2023 and remains one of the main reasons for renewed military pressure on the group.

Background of Israel Hezbollah Conflict

The strikes follow a year-long war between Israel and Hezbollah which lasted from October 2023 to November 2024. The conflict escalated after Hezbollah launched rockets into northern Israel a day after the Hamas attack on 7 October in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Lebanon reported over 4000 deaths, mostly civilians, during Israeli operations in southern regions and cities. Over 12 lakh people were displaced. Israel reported 80 soldiers and 47 civilian deaths.

The November 2024 ceasefire saw Israeli troops withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon and the Lebanese Army take over security duties. However, the agreement also allowed both nations to exercise their right to self-defence under international law, which Israel now cites as justification for its continued strikes.

Repeat Strikes and Ceasefire Violations

Since the ceasefire, Israel has launched several targeted strikes in Lebanon. In April 2025, it struck a missile storage site in Dahieh and earlier that month killed a senior Hezbollah official along with three others.

Lebanon continues to accuse Israel of breaching the truce. It also claims that Israeli soldiers remain stationed in five locations inside Lebanese territory and that repeated air strikes violate both the spirit and letter of the ceasefire.

Hezbollah has not yet issued a statement regarding this latest strike but has previously warned that any direct targeting of its leadership or assets would be considered an act of war.

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