Israeli warplanes struck Beirut’s southern suburbs on Thursday night, triggering mass evacuations and accusations of ceasefire violations, as Israel claimed it was targeting Hezbollah-linked drone facilities funded by Iran.

According to the Israeli military, the airstrikes were aimed at underground UAV production infrastructure embedded within civilian neighborhoods in the Dahiyeh district, a Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut. Israel accused Hezbollah of producing thousands of drones “with the direction and funding of Iranian terrorists”.

Lebanese security officials, however, say their army had already inspected one of the alleged sites and found no military equipment before the strikes began. Attempts to return were blocked by Israeli “warning strikes”.

Civilian Exodus Amid Eid

The strikes began 90 minutes after Israel issued evacuation warnings for four sites, unleashing panic just hours before the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha. Thousands of civilians fled on foot or in vehicles, with many seeking shelter at relatives’ homes or staying in the streets overnight.

Footage captured thick plumes of smoke rising over Beirut as at least 10 airstrikes slammed into Dahiyeh. Additional attacks were reported in Ain Qana, a southern Lebanese village, also under evacuation orders.

Political and Diplomatic Fallout

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the strikes as a “blatant violation” of international agreements. The UN’s Lebanon coordinator warned that the attacks had “generated renewed panic and fear” across the capital.

While Israel claims Hezbollah continues to violate the November 2024 ceasefire—which requires disarmament of all non-state actors and removal of fighters from southern Lebanon—Hezbollah has denied involvement in recent rocket launches that Israel cited as justification for past strikes.

Rising Tensions Since 2023 War

The incident marks the fourth Israeli strike on Dahiyeh since the U.S.-brokered truce. The latest round of violence harks back to October 2023, when Hezbollah began attacking Israeli positions in solidarity with Hamas. The ensuing war devastated Hezbollah's arsenal and leadership, including the death of former secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah.

Despite the ceasefire, both Israel and Hezbollah continue to accuse each other of violating the agreement. Israeli forces remain deployed in several hilltop positions in southern Lebanon. The situation underscores the fragility of the truce and raises fears of another full-scale war erupting during a religious holiday meant for peace.