Israeli strikes intensified throughout Lebanon on Monday, with attacks on key bridges linking areas north and south of the Litani River, a targeted killing in the Christian-majority city of Hazmieh east of Beirut, and incidents across UNIFIL positions in the south.
Israeli troops moved into Aita al-Shaab in a ground offensive, while more than 18 airstrikes were reported throughout the day. In parallel, Hezbollah claimed multiple attacks against Israeli forces and communities in northern Israel, underscoring a sharp rise in cross-border hostilities.
Hazmieh Under Fire
A residential building in Hazmieh was targeted Monday afternoon, the second strike on the residential Christian area since this round of hostilities began on March 2. The IDF Arabic spokesperson confirmed that the army had struck a “militant from the Quds Force unit in Beirut,” but gave no further information regarding the identity of the individual targeted.
According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, an initial toll from the strike indicated that one person was killed.
Hazmieh’s mayor, Jean Asmar, said in an interview that the strike took place in the Mar Takla area and targeted a single individual who was inside his room at the time of the attack.
He added that the person living in the apartment arrove roughly an hour before the strike. Asmar condemned what he described as a threat to the area’s security, stating that “strict measures” would be taken in coordination with security services, calling any breach of residents’ safety “unacceptable.”
Escalation in the South Continues
Following Israel Katz’s declaration yesterday that all river crossings over the Litani River “used for terrorist activities” would be destroyed, the IDF issued warnings that it would target the Arzay Bridge, which was subsequently struck.
Later in the day, the Israeli military struck the Dalafa Bridge, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency. Both bridges are considered vital connectors between northern and southern sectors of the Litani.
In southern Lebanon, a shell landed inside the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in Naqoura. Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that the incident caused material damage but no injuries among international personnel.
UNIFIL spokesperson Candice Ardil said heavy gunfire and explosions erupted near the base, with projectiles striking buildings inside the compound. She added that personnel had been confined to shelters to ensure their safety.
Separately, the Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israeli forces advanced into the southern border town of Aita al-Shaab in the Bint Jbeil district. According to the report, troops entered and positioned themselves inside the town, installing a large crane equipped with surveillance cameras facing the nearby locality of Rmeish.
The developments come amid broader escalation, with more than 18 airstrikes reported across southern Lebanon since Monday morning. Meanwhile, Hezbollah said it had carried out multiple attacks against Israeli forces and northern Israel, issuing at least six statements claiming operations throughout the day.
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