Escalating Conflict: Israel Intensifies Strikes on Lebanon

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is rapidly escalating, with Israel conducting extensive air strikes across Lebanon, including the capital Beirut, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah into northern Israel. The recent intensification of hostilities has raised concerns about a wider regional war.

Hezbollah Rocket Barrage and Initial Israeli Response

On Wednesday evening, Hezbollah launched approximately 200 rockets into northern Israel . This attack appeared coordinated with Iran, according to reports. In response, the Israeli military initiated multiple waves of air strikes targeting locations throughout Lebanon, with a particular focus on southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, a known Hezbollah stronghold .

Expanding Strikes and Civilian Impact

Israeli strikes have extended beyond traditional Hezbollah strongholds, hitting areas in central Beirut, including the Corniche seafront . At least six people were killed in Beirut air strikes on March 18th, with dozens more injured . Lebanon’s health ministry reported 12 people were killed overnight in Beirut . Thousands of people have already fled southern suburbs due to the intense bombardment over the past week .

Evacuation Orders and Potential for Broadened Operations

The Israeli military has expanded evacuation orders for southern Lebanon, now covering almost the entire area south of the Zahrani river, approximately 40km (25 miles) from the Israeli border . Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the military has been instructed to prepare for broadened operations in Lebanon . Attacks have also targeted a building in Bashoura, a central Beirut neighborhood .

Regional Context and Lebanese Response

Lebanon was drawn into the wider conflict between Iran, Israel, and the US ten days ago, following Hezbollah’s initial rocket and drone attacks in retaliation for the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader and subsequent Israeli strikes . Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated that Lebanon did not seek this war and is working to end it .

Origins of the Current Conflict

The current escalation began on March 2nd, when Hezbollah launched missiles toward Israel, two days after Israel and the U.S. Attacked Iran . Hezbollah stated the salvo was in retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and “repeated Israeli aggressions” in Lebanon .

The situation remains highly volatile, with the potential for further escalation and a wider regional conflict.