Israel Strikes Beirut Suburb Following Hezbollah Rocket Barrage

Beirut: Israel launched an airstrike on a Beirut suburb on Friday, shortly after Hezbollah fired 140 rockets into northern Israel. The militant group retaliated after its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, vowed a response to Israel’s recent mass bombing campaign.

The Israeli military confirmed the strike in Beirut, describing it as “targeted,” though no further details were given. Explosions were reported in the Dahiyeh area, a densely populated region in the city’s southern suburbs. Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen TV reported that a drone launched multiple missiles at the location. A Hezbollah official, speaking anonymously, verified the airstrike but did not provide additional information.

Hezbollah’s rocket attack, aimed at northern Israeli regions such as the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee, came in three waves. The Israeli military confirmed that some of the 120 missiles were intercepted, while others landed in open areas. No casualties were reported, but fires were triggered by debris.

Israel responded by hitting Hezbollah strongholds across southern Lebanon, though it did not disclose the extent of the damage. Hezbollah claimed to have struck multiple Israeli military sites, including air defence bases and an armoured brigade headquarters.

The heightened exchange comes amid growing fears of an all-out war. Israel has reinforced its northern border with additional military forces, while tensions remain high following the deadly sabotage of Hezbollah’s communication systems earlier in the week.

Meanwhile, the Gaza standoff continues, with Palestinian authorities reporting 15 more deaths in Israeli strikes. Gaza’s Health Ministry claims over 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since Hamas’ October 7 attack, though Israel maintains that a significant portion of the casualties are militants.