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3. Israel Pummels South Beirut as Lebanon Mulls Truce Plan

Israeli media reported on Saturday evening that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Defense minister have decided to intensify airstrikes on Lebanon to pressure Hezbollah into reaching a settlement. This escalation coincided with a fourth wave of raids targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut.

The suburbs, known as Dahyeh, have faced relentless Israeli bombardment since Tuesday, with over 12 airstrikes recorded on Saturday morning alone.

Targets in Beirut’s Southern Suburbs

The latest strikes began at 5:40 PM, targeting the Kafaat area in Hadath. A subsequent violent attack struck a street near Maamoura in Bourj el-Barajneh with two missiles, followed by a third, highly destructive raid on Haret Hreik. According to the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA), the latter strike hit a building that was not listed among the Israeli army's declared targets.

These attacks occurred approximately 50 minutes after Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued a fourth evacuation notice for residents of Haret Hreik, Bourj el-Barajneh, and Hadath on social media platform X.

One of the targeted sites, indicated on a map shared by Adraee, was reportedly near a gas station and the offices of Al Manar TV, a media outlet affiliated with Hezbollah. This proximity likely contributed to the intensity of the explosions that reverberated throughout the capital.

Prior to the strikes, residents of Bourj el-Barajneh activated alarm sirens to warn of impending attacks, a departure from their usual practice of firing shots into the air as a warning. Meanwhile, surveillance drones continued to hover over the increasingly battered neighborhoods.

145 Airstrikes in 24 Hours, Including 10 in Tyre

Southern Lebanon has also borne the brunt of Israeli airstrikes, with the city of Tyre enduring over ten strikes in just 30 minutes, as reported by the Israeli Broadcasting Authority. The attacks targeted seafront buildings near the Palazzo Hotel and a structure on Jerusalem Street in the city center, opposite the Al-Sharq pastry shop. Additional strikes hit the villages of Maaliye, Ain Baal, Majdel Zoun, and the Qlaileh plain, located south of Tyre.

These strikes occurred an hour after the Israeli army issued an evacuation notice, identifying 15 potential targets in Tyre.

In the Marjayoun district, multiple raids targeted Khiam amid intense artillery fire, while two additional strikes hit the Al-Ain neighborhood in Yammar Al-Shaqif. Violent ground clashes erupted in Maroun el Ras and Khiam between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters.

According to Nasser Yassine, Lebanon's caretaker Environment Minister and coordinator of the government emergency committee, 145 Israeli airstrikes and artillery bombardments were recorded over the past 24 hours. The majority targeted southern Lebanon, including 55 strikes in Nabatieh and 73 in other areas. The total number of attacks since the start of the conflict has now reached 13,222.

Six Dead, Eleven Injured in the Bekaa Valley

An Israeli airstrike on Khraibeh, east of Baalbek, resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including three children, one of whom was just three years old, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Eleven others were injured, five of whom were children, with two in critical condition.

Hezbollah's Counterattacks

In response, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting an Israeli Merkava tank near Shamaa with a guided missile, an area that has been a focal point for Israeli forces attempting to advance further into southern Lebanon. The group also reported attacking a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the Sa’sa settlement.

The Amal Movement, led by Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, announced the death of one of its fighters, Ali Hassan Bayloun, without providing further details on the circumstances of his death.

Israel Approves Strikes Every Two Hours

Israeli military sources announced on Saturday evening that a new offensive policy has been approved, allowing for strikes every two hours in Lebanon. "The security apparatus has decided to increase the frequency of raids to pressure Hezbollah into a settlement," the sources stated.

Additionally, the Israeli army reported that one soldier was killed during clashes in southern Lebanon, though no further details were given.

Explosions Reported in Acre and Haifa

In Israel, residents of Acre and Haifa reported loud explosions as sirens echoed across the region. According to Israel Hayom, air defenses intercepted six missiles over Haifa on Saturday evening.

However, one missile launched from Lebanon successfully struck a building in Haifa’s Carmel neighborhood, igniting a fire and causing localized power outages. No casualties were reported.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority noted that the Northern Command has declared Metula a closed military zone due to ongoing operations in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israeli Channel 14 reported that artillery batteries have been deployed deeper into Lebanon to extend the range of strikes.