Israel intensifies Lebanon attacks and hits areas not in Hezbollah’s control

Israeli military operations in Lebanon have escalated this week, with strikes targeting regions beyond Hezbollah’s authority. On Tuesday, unannounced attacks damaged a vehicle in Mansourieh, a Christian area north of Beirut, and hit the Jnah district, a central part of the capital. The assaults also focused on southern Beirut and other parts of the country where Hezbollah maintains significant influence.

According to Lebanon’s health ministry, a health facility in the south was struck, resulting in the death of a paramedic. Meanwhile, Israeli forces claimed to have destroyed Hezbollah facilities in Beirut and eliminated a top commander and another key figure from the Iran-backed group. The conflict began on 2 March, following a U.S.-led strike on Iran’s allies in early February.

“Nobody knows what’s happening,” said Hassan Jalwan, a resident of Jnah, recounting explosions he heard overnight. He added that displaced families have been sleeping outdoors in the area.

Evacuation orders led to the destruction of a building near Beirut’s airport in Ghobeiry. The Lebanese army recently withdrew from Ain Ibel and Rmeish villages after an air strike killed a soldier at a checkpoint. Despite this, some villagers remain in their homes, citing faith in divine protection. Father Najib Al Amil, from Rmeish, stated in a social media video: “We either all die together and lose our land or live and our villages will live with us.”

Israel’s plan to secure a buffer zone extending up to the Litani River—approximately 30km from the border—has drawn international scrutiny. The Israeli defense minister, Israel Katz, emphasized maintaining control over the territory even after the conflict with Hezbollah ends. This strategy has sparked criticism from the UN, with concerns over sovereignty violations and displacement.

Since the start of the offensive, 1,268 Lebanese have died, and over a million have been forced from their homes. Mustafa Zaraid, a displaced individual, told Reuters: “From the beginning of our lives until now we’ve been living in war.” The situation mirrors past tactics used in Gaza, where destruction, depopulation, and occupation were central to military objectives.

Historically, southern Lebanon was under Israeli occupation for nearly 18 years, from 1982 to 2000. Many families have endured generations of displacement and land loss. As Israeli strikes continue, the region faces uncertain futures, with thousands still resisting evacuation and fearing further loss. The military’s focus on infrastructure has cut off supply lines, leaving southern villages uninhabitable for some.