As tensions continue to simmer in the Middle East, Israel launched fresh airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut early Thursday morning, mere hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump discussed the looming “Iranian threat” during a phone call. The escalating conflict between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah has raised concerns about the stability of the region, with the international community closely monitoring developments.
Israel Targets Hezbollah Stronghold in Beirut
According to local sources, the Israeli military targeted Hezbollah’s main bastion in southern Beirut, with footage capturing the intense bombardment that lit up the night sky. Plumes of smoke billowed over the densely populated area as the strikes hit their targets. In a bid to minimize civilian casualties, the Israeli army had issued evacuation orders before the attack, urging residents of four neighborhoods, including one near the international airport, to leave the area.
The latest strikes come on the heels of a deadly attack in eastern Lebanon’s Baalbek city, where Israeli strikes claimed the lives of 40 people and injured 53 others. Rescue teams have been combing through the rubble in search of survivors, as the country’s health ministry grapples with the aftermath of the devastating incident.
Netanyahu and Trump Discuss Iran
In a statement released by Netanyahu’s office, it was revealed that the Israeli prime minister and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump had spoken over the phone, agreeing to “work together for Israel’s security” and discussing the “Iranian threat.” Netanyahu was among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump on his victory, hailing the outcome as “history’s greatest comeback.”
Only developments on the battlefield – not political moves – would bring an end to Hezbollah-Israeli hostilities.
– Naim Qassem, Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General
However, Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem maintained that the U.S. election result would have no bearing on the ongoing conflict with Israel. In a speech aired following Trump’s victory, Qassem stated that only battlefield developments, rather than political maneuverings, would determine the outcome of the hostilities. This stance appears to rule out any potential ceasefire negotiations unless Israel first halts its attacks.
Regional Reactions and Developments
- Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas congratulated Donald Trump, expressing confidence in his support for Palestinian statehood aspirations.
- Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Egypt, the first Arab state to sign a peace deal with Israel, also congratulated Trump.
- Four Israeli opposition leaders jointly condemned Netanyahu for firing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, sparking protests in Jerusalem.
- The UN stated it has no responsibility to replace UNRWA’s operations in Gaza and the West Bank, signaling it is Israel’s problem as the occupying power.
- UNRWA’s head warned the agency is facing its “darkest hour” and may collapse without member state intervention.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the international community remains vigilant, with many hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis. However, with both sides seemingly unwilling to back down and regional tensions running high, the path to peace remains uncertain.
