BEIRUT/JERUSALEM — On Friday, March 28, Israel launched a significant airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, marking its first such attack in months. The strike was in response to a recent rocket launch from Lebanon, escalating concerns over the fragile ceasefire agreement established in November.

The targeted location, Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold in the Lebanese capital, reportedly housed a drone storage facility linked to the Iran-backed militant group, according to Israeli sources. The strike followed a prior evacuation order and three smaller drone attacks intended as warnings, security sources revealed. The attack triggered panic among residents, causing mass evacuations and severe traffic congestion.

The ceasefire has appeared increasingly unstable, with Israel postponing a planned troop withdrawal in January. Tensions escalated further when Israel intercepted rockets launched on March 22 and retaliated by striking targets in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah denied involvement in the attack. Meanwhile, Israel has resumed its military operations in Gaza following the breakdown of a ceasefire with Hamas in January, heightening regional instability.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his country’s stance on military action, stating that Israel would target any perceived threats in Lebanon. “Today serves as a further reminder of our determination. We will not tolerate attacks on our communities, no matter how small,” he declared. No group has claimed responsibility for the recent rocket fire. The Lebanese army confirmed identifying the launch site and has launched an investigation. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun dismissed accusations against Hezbollah, condemning Israel’s strike as unjustified.

French President Emmanuel Macron, a key mediator in the November ceasefire, criticized Israel’s actions, labeling them "unacceptable" and warning that they risked empowering Hezbollah. He urged Israel to withdraw from five Lebanese positions it still occupies. The Israeli government defended its airstrike, calling the March 28 rocket fire a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire agreement and placing responsibility on the Lebanese state to maintain the truce. The United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, expressed concern over the renewed hostilities, warning that a return to full-scale conflict would be disastrous for civilians on both sides of the border.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.