Israel expanded its military operations to Lebanon on Friday, launching a major offensive against Beirut and ordering the evacuation of the southern suburbs of the city. The strikes targeted what Israel said were command centers used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s navy and the Hezbollah militant group.
Israel Pounds Beirut After Mass Evacuation Order
Israel stated it carried out a strike in Beirut targeting a command centre used by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s navy unit, alongside strikes on command centres attributed to Hezbollah. Neither Iran’s Revolutionary Guard nor Hezbollah have issued immediate responses.
Additionally, Israel launched attacks on Iran, claiming 50 warplanes struck a bunker used by Iranian leadership beneath a compound previously destroyed in Tehran.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on social media acknowledging “Some countries have begun mediation efforts,” but did not provide further details. He stated, “Let’s be clear – we are committed to lasting peace in the region, but we have not the slightest hesitation in defending the dignity and authority of our country.”
Israel’s actions in Lebanon aim to dismantle Hezbollah, the Shi’ite militia allied with Iran that has been a significant force in Lebanese politics since the 1980s. Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel earlier this week in retaliation for the death of Khamenei.
“We’re sleeping here in the streets – some in cars, some on the street, some on the beach,” said Jamal Seifeddin, 43, who fled Beirut’s southern suburbs. “No one even brought a blanket.”
While Israel has intervened in Lebanon repeatedly over the decades, most recently in 2024, Friday’s strikes were described as particularly intense. Approximately 300,000 people have been displaced in Lebanon over the past four days, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Inside Israel, explosions were heard as Israeli defenses intercepted incoming fire from Iran. The UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia also reported fresh drone and missile attacks.
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