AiBotTel Aviv/Beruit – A series of aerial exercises conducted by the Israeli Air Force has left a trail of unease in Lebanon, with frequent low-altitude flights spotted over the capital city and its suburbs. Eyewitnesses took to social media to report that Israeli jets have been flying overhead at alarmingly low levels, causing widespread concern and disruption to daily life in the area.
The air space incursions have been ongoing for several days, with Israeli military aircraft identified as F-16 fighter jets and F-35 stealth fighter jets. While no official statement has been issued by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) regarding the nature of the exercises, local authorities and residents remain apprehensive.
“It’s extremely worrisome,” said a Beirut resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “The planes are flying so low, it’s like they’re going to crash into our building. We can feel the vibrations from the engines.”
The Lebanese military has scrambled fighter jets in response to the Israeli air force’s exercises, raising the specter of a potential confrontation between the two nations. While there have been no reports of actual engagement, tensions between Lebanon and Israel have long been strained.
The Israeli government has maintained a policy of ambiguity regarding its military operations in the region. Military officials have hinted that the exercises may be part of a larger strategy aimed at enhancing regional security and deterring potential threats from Iran and its proxies, including Hezbollah, which is a strong ally of the Lebanese government.
However, the actions of the Israeli Air Force have drawn criticism from international bodies and diplomatic missions. Regional diplomats have called for restraint, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the fragile peace between Lebanon, Israel, and other nations in the region.
“We urge all parties to exercise maximum caution and refrain from any actions that might escalate tensions,” said a senior diplomat at the French Embassy in Beirut. “The region is already volatile enough, and we can ill afford more confrontations.”
While the exact motivations behind the Israeli Air Force’s aerial exercises remain unclear, one thing is certain: the actions have heightened unease in Lebanon and beyond, with many eyeing the region with growing anxiety. As tensions continue to simmer, one can only wonder what the coming days may bring.