Israel Hits Hezbollah Underground Drone Manufacturing Sites in Beirut
Israel launched airstrikes Thursday on four locations in southern Beirut, targeting what it said were underground drone production facilities operated by Hezbollah.
It was the first Israeli strike near the Lebanese capital in over a month and came just one day before the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha.
According to the Israeli military, at least eight buildings were targeted in the neighborhoods of Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Bourj el-Barajneh. Prior to the strikes, evacuation warnings were issued, urging residents to leave the area.
Following the airstrikes in Beirut, Israel issued another evacuation warning for the village of Ain Qana in southern Lebanon. Two more Hezbollah-linked buildings were targeted, according to Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee.
Israel stated that the targeted buildings were being used for drone production and added that Hezbollah, with support from Iran, was planning to expand its drone program. In a post on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a video revealing the locations of underground UAV sites.
Though the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah remains officially in place, Israel continues its operations against Hezbollah and its military continues to occupy five strategic positions within Lebanese territory along the border.
In a post on X, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the strikes a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire and said the timing of the strike, which came a day before the Eid al-Adha, showed Israel’s unwillingness to support peace in the region. He also said Israel was using Lebanon to send a message to the United States, which is in talks with Iran over its nuclear program.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah denied that any drone factories were located at the sites Israel attacked. “Netanyahu wants to keep the war going,” a Hezbollah official said.
