Israeli bombing hits Beirut in dramatic escalation

KATHMANDU: Tensions in the Middle East have surged sharply following a major escalation in hostilities between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, raising fears of a wider regional war.

According to reports, Hezbollah launched a powerful rocket and drone attack on a military installation near the northern Israeli city of Haifa.

In response, the Israeli Air Force carried out heavy airstrikes on targets in Beirut, including southern districts of the capital.

In a statement released early Monday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack, describing it as retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The group characterized the operation as a “defensive action” aimed at protecting Lebanon and its civilians. It said it retains the right to choose the “appropriate time and place” to respond to what it called Israel’s continued repression and assassinations of its leaders and supporters.

Following Hezbollah’s strike, Israeli fighter jets launched a series of air raids on southern Beirut. Local media reported that Israeli forces also targeted several villages in southern Lebanon. An Israeli military spokesperson said “powerful strikes” were being carried out against Hezbollah’s military infrastructure across Lebanon and warned that the campaign would continue.

Israel has placed full responsibility for the destruction in Lebanon on Hezbollah, accusing the group of deliberately dragging the country into conflict. Israeli officials vowed a “strong and decisive” response to what they described as Hezbollah’s provocation.

Analysts warn that the latest escalation significantly increases the risk of a direct military confrontation between United States and Israel on one side, and Iran and its regional allies on the other. Security experts caution that continued tit-for-tat strikes could destabilize the region further and push the Middle East toward a prolonged and unpredictable war.

Fear and uncertainty have gripped Beirut and several parts of Lebanon as both sides intensify their attacks, heightening concerns about civilian safety and regional stability.