Jerusalem/Beirut, June 1, 2026 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to carry out strikes on “terrorist targets” in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a key Hezbollah stronghold known as Dahiyeh (or Dahieh).
In a joint statement with Defence Minister Israel Katz, Netanyahu said the decision comes in response to Hezbollah’s repeated violations of a fragile ceasefire and ongoing attacks on Israeli cities and civilians. The ceasefire, announced in April, has failed to fully halt the violence between Israel and the Iran-backed group.
The announcement triggered chaotic scenes in Beirut’s southern suburbs, with thousands of residents fleeing the area. Videos and reports show heavy traffic jams as people packed cars, motorcycles, and trucks with belongings and rushed to evacuate.
This marks a significant escalation in the conflict. Israel has accused Hezbollah of launching rockets and drones into northern Israel, while the Lebanese side has reported heavy casualties from previous Israeli operations. Lebanese authorities say thousands have been killed in the country since the fighting intensified earlier this year.
The strikes signal a broadening of Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah, raising fears of further instability in the region and complicating international mediation efforts involving the US and Iran.
