Israel Threatens Beirut and Southern Dahieh Amid Rising Tensions with Hezbollah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz have warned that if insecurity continues for the military and settlements in northern Israel, Beirut—especially its southern Dahieh district—will not remain safe. This warning comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
According to international media reports, Yisrael Katz, Israel’s Defense Minister, claimed that the Israeli army aims to bring the Litani region under its security control. He stated that military operations against Hezbollah are ongoing and that the army has achieved “significant achievements.”
Without mentioning Israel’s repeated strikes on Lebanese territory and the resulting civilian casualties, Katz emphasized that Israeli forces and cities will not be allowed to be targeted while Beirut remains at peace. He added that he has ordered the army to target Hezbollah-related sites in Beirut’s southern Dahieh area and warned that if calm is not restored in northern Israel, Beirut will not experience calm either.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced that, in coordination with the Defense Minister, he has authorized attacks on what he described as “terrorist targets” in Beirut. He claimed that restoring security to the residents of northern Israel is a top priority and that operations in southern Lebanon will be intensified.
These statements come as reciprocal attacks between both sides in recent months have raised concerns over the widening scope of conflict in other parts of Lebanon. Many observers have warned that a direct threat to Lebanon’s capital could have widespread humanitarian and security consequences for the region.
