Israel made at least 5 massive blows to Beirut, resulting in a series of explosions in the capital of Lebanon. Above the city were dense clouds of smoke, and witnesses reported the explosions that shook the area. According to Reuter's agency, the Israeli army first ordered the evacuation of residents of respective buildings in the confederate part of the city and then announced that the mark of the attack were positions supported by Iran Hezbollah.
Massive Beirut fire
Press agencies reported that the fire continued for respective hours. "Continuous sound of the hits sounded for at least 2 or 3 hours," reported CNN reporter. The people of Beirut reported that they felt like in the epicentre of conflict, and the explosions were heard almost throughout the city.
Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported that the attack was directed against Hezbollah's targets, which posed a direct threat to the village in the north of Israel. These actions are part of an extended military operation which not only continues at the border with Lebanon, but besides in the Gaza Strip and another fronts.
Operation North Arrows: Hitting Hezbollah
The Israeli army, on Tuesday morning, launched a land operation code-named "North Arrows" to liquidate Hezbollah's position in the south of Lebanon. According to the IDF statement, land troops' activities focus on border villages that pose a direct threat to the northern areas of Israel. The operation has been approved at political level and aims to “ensure the safety of Israeli citizens and to enable residents of northern areas to return home.”
Israeli troops, supported by aviation and artillery, have been preparing for this operation for the past months. The Army is trying to accomplish the objectives set by political decision-makers while at the same time acting on respective fronts – both in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip.
Hezbollah under pressure: Israeli strikes on militant positions
On the another hand, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Israel, General Herci Halewi, announced during his Friday speech that the IDF would not let Hezbollah to remainder for any moment. "Our actions are aimed at eliminating threats from Hezbollah militants. We proceed the offensive to guarantee the safety of our nation," Halewi stressed.
On Tuesday, a land operation in the south of Lebanon, according to IDF, about 440 Hezbollah fighters were killed. On Saturday, the Israeli army reported the demolition of the command center of this organization, located at a infirmary mosque in the town of Bint Jbeil. Israel stresses that all action is taken in accordance with global law of war, even though the targets are in civilian areas, which is the tactics utilized by Hezbollah to impede precise attacks.
Escalation of tensions at the Israeli-Lebanese border
The Israeli army has besides announced that the 3 areas located at the border with Lebanon have been declared restricted zones, which means a ban on the civilian population. This decision aims to defend citizens from possible counterattacks by Hezbollah, who in the past carried out armed retaliatory operations.
International reactions and possible consequences
The situation on the Israeli-Lebanese border caused concern among the global community. The UN and another organizations call for the deescalation of the conflict and the protection of civilians. However, Israel considers that all military operations are justified if they service to defend the lives and safety of citizens of the state.
The emergence in tension in the mediate East besides sparks discussions about the possible consequences for the region and further destabilisation of Lebanon, which has been facing interior economical and political problems for years. Iran, on the another hand, as Hezbollah's main ally, is following events closely, raising concerns about the escalation of the conflict on a larger scale.
Summary
Israeli operations in Lebanon and the increase in tension between IDF and Hezbollah may have long-term effects on the stableness of the region. Although Israeli attacks are targeted precisely against militants, Hezbollah's presence in civilian areas further complicates military action. The global community is observing developments with concern, and both sides of the conflict face hard decisions regarding further steps in this escalation.
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Israeli terrorists attacked Beirut. The explosions lasted respective hours.
