Israeli Air Strikes Destroy Bridges Over Litani River
Israeli air strikes have destroyed two bridges spanning the Litani River, which connect southern Lebanon to the rest of the country, according to the Israeli military.
This action follows an earlier announcement by the Israeli military that it would target crossings allegedly used by the Hezbollah armed group to transport fighters and weapons.
Expanded Strikes in Beirut
In addition to the southern Lebanon strikes, Israeli attacks have hit multiple locations in Beirut, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and 27 injuries, as reported by Lebanese authorities. This marks an escalation with strikes extending beyond the southern suburbs into central Beirut.
The Lebanese health ministry reports that since 2 March, a total of 968 people have been killed, including at least 111 children.
Context of the Conflict
Lebanon has become involved in the US-Israel conflict against Iran following missile attacks by Iran-backed Hezbollah into Israel. Israel responded with air strikes and subsequently deployed ground troops into southern Lebanon.
Statements from Israeli Defence Minister
Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the bridges were targeted on Wednesday as a "direct action against Hezbollah's use of Lebanon's state infrastructure to advance terrorist activity." Hezbollah has not issued a response to these claims.
Warnings and Previous Strikes
Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli military issued warnings for civilians near the Litani crossings to evacuate the area.
On Friday, the Zrarieh Bridge over the Litani River was damaged in an Israeli strike.
Significance of the Litani River
The Litani River has long been a critical element in Lebanon's fragile security environment. Under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, armed groups are prohibited from operating south of the river. Israel asserts that Hezbollah maintains a significant presence in this region.
Displacement Crisis Deepens
The recent Israeli evacuation warnings have exacerbated an already severe displacement crisis. Lebanese officials estimate that over one million people have been forced to leave their homes, primarily in the south, east of the country, and southern Beirut, areas where Hezbollah's presence is strongest.
Additional Strikes in Southern Lebanon
Overnight Wednesday, Israeli strikes targeted the town of Zefta in the Nebatieh district, located south of the Litani River.
In the aftermath, a group of men swept shattered glass from in front of one of the collapsed buildings. A 25-year-old man described the strike as sudden, stating that after hearing a loud noise, he was thrown across the room by the blast.
"There's no one here related to a political party," he said. "We are all civilians, not affiliated with anyone."
Destruction in Beirut's City Centre
Early on Wednesday, an Israeli air strike destroyed a building in Beirut's city centre. The Israeli military had issued a warning at 04:00 local time to evacuate the building, which had been targeted multiple times in recent days.
No casualties have been reported from this strike so far. The building was located a few hundred metres from residential areas and hotels.
Video footage showed a missile striking the base of the multi-storey building, causing it to collapse. The area was filled with smoke, debris scattered across the street, and the smell of burning lingered in the air.
Bystanders appeared shocked as they surveyed the destruction. Tensions rose among the onlookers, with some shouting angrily and blaming Israel. A group of men raised a tall poster of Hezbollah's late leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and marched it to the top of the rubble pile.
Targets and Impact of Israeli Strikes
Israel states that it is targeting not only Hezbollah fighters and leaders but also businesses it claims are linked to the group and assist in financing its military operations. Among these is the Al Qard Al Hassan organisation, which has offices across Beirut, many of which have been destroyed.
Israel continues its intense bombardment of Dahieh, the Hezbollah stronghold in south Beirut, forcing thousands to flee their homes. Some locals describe parts of the city as resembling "Gaza" due to the extensive destruction.
However, Israeli strikes have expanded to other parts of Beirut, sometimes preceded by warnings and other times without, appearing to include targeted assassinations. This includes at least two strikes on hotels.
Civilian Casualties and "Double Tap" Strikes
Civilians have frequently been killed in these attacks. One reported Israeli "double tap" airstrike—where a location is hit twice in quick succession—occurred near Beirut's Corniche seafront last week. This strike killed at least 12 people, many of whom were displaced civilians sheltering in tents.
