Israel Launches ‘Operation Eternal Darkness’ in Lebanon Amid US-Iran Ceasefire
While diplomatic circles in Washington celebrated a newly brokered ceasefire between the United States and Iran, the reality on the ground in Lebanon was starkly different. On Wednesday, Israel launched a massive air campaign, described by local media as “Operation Eternal Darkness,” resulting in what has been termed the bloodiest day of the current conflict. The strikes targeted more than 100 sites in a matter of minutes, signaling that Israel does not consider the US-Iran deal applicable to its war with Hezbollah.
The Scale of the Assault: Operation Eternal Darkness
The Israeli military executed a coordinated wave of air strikes that hit more than 100 targets—specifically Hezbollah command centers and military sites—within a 10-minute window. According to BBC reports, Israel described this as the largest wave of air strikes in the conflict to date.
The strikes were widespread, devastating several key regions:
- Beirut: The southern suburbs of the capital faced heavy bombardment.
- Southern Lebanon: Multiple locations were targeted in a synchronized effort.
- Bekaa Valley: The eastern region also came under attack.
A Devastating Human Toll
The human cost of the operation has been severe. The Lebanese health ministry reported that at least 182 people were killed and 890 others wounded, though officials warn these numbers are likely to rise as search and rescue operations continue. In Beirut, emergency workers spent hours digging through rubble, recovering personal belongings and unfinished school homework from the ruins of residential buildings.
The synchronized nature of the attacks led some observers, including history professor Makram Rabah of the American University of Beirut, to compare the event to the previous pager attacks due to the precision and timing of the strikes, as noted by CBC News.
The Diplomatic Gap: Why the Ceasefire Failed Lebanon
The violence erupted despite a ceasefire deal between the US and Iran, mediated by Pakistan. The escalation highlights a critical diplomatic disagreement regarding the scope of that agreement:
- Pakistan’s Position: The mediators asserted that the ceasefire covered the conflict in Lebanon.
- Israel’s Position: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office denied that the deal included Lebanon, signaling an intent to pursue Hezbollah regardless of international pressure.
- United States’ Position: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed from Washington that Lebanon was not part of the ceasefire deal.
Hezbollah’s Response and Regional Outlook
Hezbollah has not claimed any attacks since the announcement of the US-Iran deal. However, the group has asserted its right to respond to the Israeli strikes. In a warning to displaced families, Hezbollah advised them to wait for a formal ceasefire announcement before attempting to return to their homes.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese presidency has stated it will continue efforts to ensure Lebanon is included in broader regional peace initiatives to prevent further devastation.
Key Takeaways
- Casualties: At least 182 dead and 890 wounded according to the Lebanese health ministry.
- Military Action: Over 100 targets hit in 10 minutes under “Operation Eternal Darkness.”
- Diplomatic Conflict: The US and Israel explicitly exclude Lebanon from the US-Iran ceasefire deal.
- Target Areas: Southern Beirut, Southern Lebanon, and the Bekaa Valley.
As the region grapples with the fallout of these strikes, the disconnect between high-level diplomacy in Washington and the operational realities in Beirut suggests a prolonged and volatile path toward a genuine ceasefire in Lebanon.