On October 3, 2024, Israel launched airstrikes on central Beirut, killing at least six people and injuring several others. This strike, which targeted the Bachoura district near Beirut’s parliament, is the closest an Israeli airstrike has been to the city center since the 2006 Lebanon War. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) described the operation as a “targeted” attack on Hezbollah installations, following a tragic day for Israeli forces fighting the Iran-backed group.
The attack occurred amid escalating tensions, with Hezbollah and other regional entities, including Yemen’s Houthis, executing retaliation strikes in reaction to Israeli activities and broader regional crises. The Israeli military also reported continued operations in southern Lebanon, asking inhabitants in neighboring regions to remain evacuated.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the attack was a targeted operation against Hezbollah facilities in the Bachoura district. This neighborhood, recognized for its proximity to critical government institutions, has rarely been targeted in previous years, making this hit more concerning. Witnesses reported hearing large explosions that jolted the city, adding to the atmosphere of panic and uncertainty among Beirut’s people.
This attack comes after a particularly deadly day for Israeli forces, who have been fighting fierce ground combat with Hezbollah fighters near Lebanon’s southern border. The bigger context of this battle is Hezbollah’s growing prominence in Lebanon and relationship with Iran. In recent months, Hezbollah, along with other regional entities such as Yemen’s Houthis, has increased its attacks against Israel, aligning itself with Hamas in Gaza.
The Israeli strike in central Beirut reflects the ongoing conflict’s growing unpredictability and risk. Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader, was murdered in a prior Israeli strike, sparking widespread retaliation throughout the area. Hezbollah has responded by striking Israeli military sites and infrastructure, particularly in Lebanon’s southern provinces. Iran, a key supporter of Hezbollah, has also entered the conflict, shooting more than 180 missiles at Israel, heightening worries of a regional war.
