Israel conducted an airstrike on Beirut, Lebanon, on Friday, March 28, 2025, marking the first attack on the city since a ceasefire with Hezbollah came into effect last November. The Israeli military targeted a drone storage facility in the southern suburb of Dahiyeh, a stronghold for the Iran-backed militant group. This strike comes in response to rocket fire from Lebanon into northern Israel, an act that has heightened tensions in the already fragile region.
According to reports from the Associated Press, residents in Beirut heard a loud boom and saw plumes of smoke rising from the area shortly after the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued evacuation orders. The IDF warned that the building struck was in close proximity to schools, prompting the Lebanese Ministry of Education to suspend classes for the day.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "We will attack everywhere in Lebanon, against any threat to the State of Israel," emphasizing that the government would not tolerate any form of aggression. The IDF claimed that the strike was a necessary response to two rockets fired from Lebanon earlier that day, one of which was intercepted while the other fell short of crossing the border. Hezbollah, however, denied any involvement in the rocket fire, asserting its commitment to the ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire, which was established in November 2024 after more than a year of conflict, had significantly reduced violence between Israel and Hezbollah. The conflict escalated after Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and led to widespread military actions by Israel. Since that time, over 4,000 people have died in Lebanon, and many more have been displaced.
Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun condemned the Israeli airstrike, calling it a violation of the ceasefire agreement sponsored by France and the U.S. Speaking from Paris, where he was meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Aoun stated, "The international community must put an end to these attacks and force Israel to abide by the agreement, just as Lebanon is committed to it." Macron echoed these sentiments, labeling the strike as "unacceptable" and promising to address it with both Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump.
In the wake of the airstrike, the Lebanese government ordered all schools and universities in the affected areas to close, as residents were seen fleeing in panic. The IDF had previously issued a warning to evacuate buildings marked on a map, advising residents to move at least 300 meters away from the targeted site.
This strike represents a significant escalation in hostilities, as Israel has conducted near-daily airstrikes in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire, claiming these actions are necessary to prevent Hezbollah from rearming. The IDF has characterized Hezbollah's military infrastructure as embedded within civilian areas, accusing the group of using civilians as human shields.
The situation remains precarious, with the Lebanese army reporting that it had discovered a rocket launch site from which projectiles could have been fired at Israel. As tensions mount, Israeli officials have warned that Kiryat Shmona, a town in northern Israel, and Beirut will be treated equally in response to any threats.
Hezbollah's denial of responsibility for the recent rocket attacks further complicates the situation, as the group has previously expressed its commitment to the ceasefire. The Lebanese government faces immense pressure to exert control over southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah and other militant groups operate.
In the broader context, Israel's military actions have drawn criticism from international observers, including the United Nations, which has expressed concern over the ongoing violence and its impact on civilians. The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, noted that the escalation creates a "critical period for Lebanon and the wider region."
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, hoping to prevent further deterioration of relations between Israel and Lebanon. The fragile ceasefire that has held since last November is now under severe strain, and the potential for renewed conflict looms large.
In summary, the airstrike on Beirut marks a troubling turn in a long-standing conflict, with both sides facing significant challenges. As Israeli forces continue their operations and Hezbollah remains entrenched, the prospects for peace and stability in the region remain uncertain.
