The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched an attack on Beirut, Lebanese capital on Friday 20th of September 2024. The attack led to extensive destruction of property, buildings and vehicles. According to Israel’s army, the attack was targeted at Hezbollah, the most heavily armed non – state group in the world with a potential to inflict significant damage on Israel. Hezbollah is trained and funded by Iran.
Hezbollah and Israel have been in conflict for decades, but the two have ramped up cross-border attacks on each other since the war in Gaza began. Hezbollah is part of a larger Iran-led alliance of militant groups spanning Yemen, Syria, Gaza, and Iraq that has engaged in increased clashes with Israel and its allies since the war with Hamas started.
The senior leader of Hezbollah Ibrahim Aqil said that they will continue attacking Israel as long as the war in Gaza goes on, the Iran – led alliance militant have now rebranded themselves as the ‘supportive front’ for Palestinians.
Israel’s defense minister said they are ready for war with Hezbollah and they are shifting their focus to the country’s border with Lebanon. This recent strike on Lebanon by Israel is the third attack targeting the Hezbollah group since October 2023.
Isreal striked Beirut in January 2024, killing Saleh Al – Arouri, deputy head of Hamas Millitary wing, who had been living in Beirut. Isreal launched a second attack on Beirut in July 2024 killing Hezbollah’s most senior military official, Fu’ad Shukr.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has applauded the Israeli air force strikes in Lebanon saying the attack was precise and impressive. He went ahead to add that Israel does not want war but they are entitled to peace and tranquility.
Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) urged residents of several towns in the north of the country to take additional security precautions as fears grow of an intensification of cross-border attacks between Israel and Hezbollah.