AiBotIn a move that has sent shockwaves throughout Lebanon, Israeli Air Force fighter jets were spotted flying over the capital city of Beirut and the northern regions of the country, sparking heightened tensions between the two nations. The flights, which were confirmed by multiple sources, mark the latest in a series of incidents along the disputed border between Israel and Lebanon.
According to reports, Israeli Air Force F-16 and F-35 fighter jets were seen conducting sorties over Beirut and the surrounding areas of northern Lebanon, with some sources suggesting that the planes may have violated Lebanese airspace. The flights, which appear to be a show of force, come as tensions between Israel and Lebanon continue to simmer in the aftermath of a recent explosion at the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp.
The incident has been condemned by the Lebanese government, with officials denouncing Israel’s actions as a “blatant aggression” and a “clear provocation.” The Lebanese military has issued a statement urging calm and vowing to defend its sovereignty in the face of Israeli aggression.
The flights have also been met with widespread condemnation from regional stakeholders, including the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group, which has vowed to retaliate against Israel for its actions. Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have been escalating in recent weeks, with both sides engaging in a game of cat-and-mouse along the border.
Despite the escalating tensions, the Lebanese government has urged restraint, urging citizens to remain calm and avoid any actions that could exacerbate the situation. In a statement, the Lebanese foreign ministry called on Israel to refrain from any further provocative actions, saying they would only serve to further destabilize the region.
The incident comes as the US and other international stakeholders are seeking to reinvigorate stalled efforts to broker a peace agreement between Israel and Lebanon. The two nations have been embroiled in a longstanding dispute over the status of the Lebanese-Syrian border, as well as access to the Qana gas field, which is believed to hold significant reserves of natural gas and oil.
With the situation continuing to deteriorate by the hour, officials say they are working behind the scenes to calm tensions and prevent any further escalation. In the meantime, residents of Beirut and northern Lebanon have been advised to remain vigilant and to avoid any areas that may be impacted by the ongoing situation.