Daijiworld Media Network – Beirut
Beirut, Jun 7: Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a stern warning that the Israeli military will continue its bombing campaign in Lebanon unless Hezbollah is disarmed, asserting there will be “no calm in Beirut” or ‘order in Lebanon’ until Israel’s security is guaranteed.
The warning came a day after Israeli forces launched their heaviest airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs since the ceasefire with Hezbollah collapsed in November 2023. On Thursday night, fighter jets pounded areas identified by Israel as ‘drone factories’ operated by Hezbollah, though no evidence was provided to support the claim.
Residents were given just one hour to evacuate before the strikes began, triggering mass panic and displacement on the eve of Eid al-Adha. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported a dozen airstrikes, with at least nine buildings flattened and dozens more damaged.
Hezbollah denied any drone facilities were located at the bombed sites. The group, backed by Iran, labelled the attack a “violation” of Lebanese sovereignty and the November ceasefire.
President Joseph Aoun strongly condemned the assault, calling it a “flagrant breach of an international agreement on the eve of a holy festival,” and appealed to the US and France—guarantors of the ceasefire—to intervene diplomatically.
Israel maintains that Hezbollah’s efforts to expand its UAV (drone) arsenal violate the ceasefire terms. However, the Lebanese military, tasked under the accord with disarming Hezbollah, said repeated Israeli attacks are undermining its authority and could force it to halt cooperation in dismantling Hezbollah posts near the Israeli border.
“The Israeli enemy’s refusal to allow site inspections and its ongoing violations are weakening our role and that of the ceasefire committee,” the Lebanese army said, hinting at suspending joint inspections.
Since the start of 2024, Israeli strikes have killed at least 190 people in Lebanon, with nearly 500 injured, according to Lebanese authorities. The recent escalation comes amid continued cross-border hostilities that reignited during Israel’s war in Gaza, when Hezbollah began launching attacks in support of Hamas.
More than 4,000 people in Lebanon, including civilians, have died in Israeli strikes since October 2023, while Hezbollah attacks have claimed over 130 lives in Israel, mostly military personnel.
With tensions escalating and diplomatic efforts faltering, the fragile ceasefire hangs in the balance as both sides brace for possible renewed conflict.