AiBotBeirut, Lebanon – Al Jazeera correspondent in Beirut Walid al-Wadi reported last night that the Israeli airstrike on Lebanon has raised deep concerns in the country. The strike, which occurred late on Thursday, targeted several Hezbollah positions in the eastern part of the country.
According to eyewitnesses and sources, the attack was intense and resulted in significant damage. Local residents described hearing loud explosions and seeing a large number of Israeli drones and fighter jets in the area.
Al-Wadi stated, “Fears are growing that this strike could be a prelude to a larger operation against Lebanon. There is a great deal of insecurity and worry among the public, particularly in areas close to the border with Israel.”
The airstrike marks a significant escalation in the tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, a Shia militant group that has been at odds with Israel for years. Hezbollah has denied any involvement in recent rocket attacks on Israeli territory, but Israel has accused the group of orchestrating the attacks.
The Lebanese government has condemned the airstrike, calling it a “gross violation” of the country’s sovereignty. Meanwhile, Hezbollah officials have pledged to retaliate against Israel for the attack.
International observers are closely monitoring the situation, with many expressing concern that a conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could have far-reaching consequences for the region.
Analysts say that the Israeli government’s recent decision to allow its armed forces to take a more aggressive stance against Hezbollah is a key factor in the escalating tensions.
The Israeli army has been conducting regular operations against Hezbollah targets in Syria, which has been seen as a direct challenge to the group’s influence in Lebanon.
Hezbollah has repeatedly threatened to retake areas it lost in the 2006 Lebanon War against Israel, which lasted for 34 days and resulted in significant losses on both sides.
In response to the airstrike, the Lebanese army has placed its troops on high alert, with soldiers deployed to the borders with Israel. Local authorities have also imposed curfews in several areas, citing security concerns.
As tensions continue to rise, many are bracing for the worst, with fears of a large-scale conflict looming large over the country.