Israel Expands Offensive to Beirut as Southern Lebanon Ground Invasion Deepens

Israeli forces have intensified their military operations, launching renewed strikes across southern Lebanon and initiating new attacks on the capital, Beirut. This escalation comes as a deepening ground invasion continues to target areas south of the Litani River, raising significant humanitarian concerns.

Intensified Strikes in Southern Lebanon

At least four people were killed in a raid targeting a car in the southern town of Kfar Rumman, according to the Lebanese Civil Defence. Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency also reported a series of attacks in the Jabal Amel region, south of the Litani River, impacting towns such as Arzoun, Jouya, Hadatha, Jmeijmeh, Dbeibine, and Haris.

Further reports from local media indicate that an Israeli drone strike near Ghandour Hospital in Nabatieh al-Fawqa resulted in one fatality and one injury. Observers note that Israel’s military has specifically targeted bridges in southern Lebanon, an apparent strategy to sever the region from the rest of the country amidst a ground invasion that commenced on March 16. Israeli leaders last week openly stated plans to demolish scores of homes in the area.

Elie Yaacoub, head of Mercy Corps’ Lebanon Crisis Analysis Team, warned that the ongoing operations south of the Litani River constitute "the systematic isolation of an entire population." He highlighted that the destruction of critical infrastructure is effectively cutting off up to 150,000 people from humanitarian assistance, echoing tactics seen in the 2006 conflict but with potentially more severe consequences due to existing fragilities and the high scale of need.

Hezbollah's Response and Regional Context

The current wave of Israeli air strikes across Lebanon began on March 2, following rocket fire into Israel by the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. Hezbollah stated its actions were in response to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

On Tuesday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching rocket barrages at the Hurfeish, Shlomi, and Nahariya settlements in northern Israel. The group also reported targeting a gathering of Israeli army vehicles and soldiers at the Fatima Gate on the Israeli-Lebanon border.

Israeli Strikes Reach Beirut and Civilian Areas

The conflict has expanded to Beirut, with Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee ordering the evacuation of residents from seven neighbourhoods in the southern suburb, citing intentions to attack "Hezbollah infrastructure." Shortly after, an Israeli airstrike was reported targeting Bir al-Abed in Beirut’s southern suburbs.

These latest attacks follow overnight strikes on the predominantly Christian town of Ain Saadeh, located in the hills east of the capital. The Ministry of Public Health’s Emergency Operations Center confirmed three fatalities, including two women, and three injuries in this strike. Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr reported from Beirut that Ain Saadeh is "outside Hezbollah’s influence," and those killed were "apparently not part of the conflict," leading to heightened tensions as some residents blame Hezbollah for the extension of the conflict to civilian areas.

Al Jazeera’s Heidi Pett, reporting from Ain Saadeh, described the attack as an apparent attempted assassination, targeting a specific apartment. While the target apartment on the third floor was reportedly empty, the severity of the damage led to the deaths of individuals on the second floor, leaving neighbours and first responders in shock and fear.

Earlier, on Sunday, an Israeli airstrike on the Jnah area in southern Beirut claimed the lives of five people, including a 15-year-old girl and three Sudanese nationals, and injured 52 others, among them eight children.

Rising Displacement and Casualty Toll

The escalating conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with more than one million people displaced across Lebanon. Thousands have sought refuge in the hills of Mount Lebanon as the violence continues.

In its sixth week, the conflict has tragically resulted in at least 1,461 deaths and over 4,000 injuries across Lebanon.

Key Takeaways

  • Israel has significantly expanded its military operations, conducting renewed strikes in southern Lebanon and new attacks on Beirut.
  • A deepening ground invasion in southern Lebanon includes targeting bridges and transport routes, aiming to isolate the region.
  • Humanitarian agencies express grave concern for 150,000 people potentially cut off from essential aid in southern Lebanon due to infrastructure destruction.
  • Recent strikes in Beirut, including Ain Saadeh and Jnah, have caused civilian casualties, including women, children, and individuals reportedly uninvolved in the conflict.
  • The conflict, now in its sixth week, has led to over 1 million people displaced and a total of at least 1,461 deaths and 4,000 injuries in Lebanon.