Fear of full-scale war mounts as Israel launches massive strike on Lebanon
A fire burns at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)
The Israeli military launched a devastating attack on Hezbollah’s central headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Friday, sending shockwaves through the Lebanese capital.
The strike, described as “precise” by Israeli authorities, targeted the Iran-backed militia’s command center, embedded within residential buildings in Dahiyeh.
The assault, targeted at Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, destroyed four buildings and inflicted multiple casualties, according to al-Manar television. This marked the fourth Israeli strike on Dahiyeh in a week, with previous attacks claiming the lives of three senior Hezbollah commanders.
Friday’s bombardment was notably intense, with multiple blasts shattering windows across Beirut, reminiscent of the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.
The conflict has escalated dramatically, with Israeli airstrikes claiming over 700 lives in Lebanon. Fears mount of an all-out war between the heavily armed adversaries.
Addressing the UN General Assembly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “As long as Hezbollah chooses the path of war, Israel has no choice, and Israel has every right to remove this threat and return our citizens to their homes safely.”
Netanyahu emphasized, “Israel has been tolerating this intolerable situation for nearly a year. Well, I’ve come here today to say enough is enough.” His speech prompted several delegations to walk out, while supporters in the gallery applauded.
