The IDF is Pounding Beirut: Dozens of Jets Over Lebanon
Israeli jets hammer Dahiyeh district in a powerful response to Hezbollah's latest offensive.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a massive aerial campaign, targeting Hezbollah strongholds across Lebanon. The operation comes in direct response to a significant Hezbollah strike on Northern Israel earlier tonight.
IDF Spokesperson Stated: "A short while ago, the IDF conducted a targeted strike on senior Hezbollah terrorists in the Beirut area. Simultaneously, the IDF struck a key operative from the Hezbollah terror organization in Southern Lebanon."
In the early hours of Monday night (Israel Time), March 2, 2026, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a multi-pronged attack involving rockets, drones, and missiles and a squadron of suicide drones. The target was the Mishmar HaCarmel missile defense site, located south of the occupied city of Haifa.
In an official statement, the "Islamic Resistance" declared the attack a "retribution for the pure blood" of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom they claim was assassinated by "Zionist treachery."
The Israeli response was swift and overwhelming. Within minutes of the Haifa barrage, the IDF began striking targets in the Dahiyeh district of Beirut, a known Hezbollah nerve center.
Reports indicate at least 15 massive explosions rocked the capital, with thick plumes of smoke rising over the skyline.
"The IDF is currently striking Hezbollah terror targets with great force," a military spokesperson stated. "Hezbollah has chosen to join the campaign under the auspices of the Iranian regime. We will not allow them to threaten our citizens or the residents of the north."
Eyal Zamir, The Chief of Staff made a situational assessment: "Hezbollah launched a campaign against Israel tonight, and the responsibility for this escalation lies solely with them. As part of our operational planning for Operation 'Lion’s Roar,' we prepared for a multi-front scenario and an offensive campaign against Hezbollah. Any enemy that threatens our security will pay a heavy price, we will not allow any harm to the citizens of Israel or the northern border."
Chaos in Lebanon
The intensity of the bombardment has triggered a mass exodus from Beirut, with thousands of residents reportedly fleeing the city. Beyond the capital, Israeli jets have also been active in the Bekaa Valley and Southern Lebanon, conducting "fire belts" and striking mobile targets, including vehicles suspected of carrying senior operatives.
Amidst the escalating violence, the Lebanese Prime Minister issued a stern condemnation of the missile launches originating from Southern Lebanon, characterizing the act as "irresponsible and suspicious," regardless of the faction responsible.
He warned that such provocations jeopardize Lebanon’s national security and territorial integrity while providing Israel with "pretexts" to persist in its military campaign.
Emphasizing a desire to avoid further conflict, the Prime Minister stated that the government would not allow the country to be "dragged into new adventures" and vowed to take all necessary measures to halt military operations and protect the Lebanese people.