Less than 48 hours after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared his country ready to engage in an internationally sponsored negotiation process, Israel carried out a deadly strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday. The attack, which occurred in a densely populated civilian neighborhood, revives fears of a major escalation in Lebanon, despite recent calls for dialogue.
A deadly raid at the most unexpected moment
According to Hezbollah, Haytham Ali Tabtabai — presented as one of its main military leaders — is among the five people killed in the strike which hit the Haret Hreik area. More than twenty-five people were injured, according to a provisional report communicated from Beirut.
The attack targeted a residential building and caused significant material damage in one of the most densely inhabited civilian areas of the Lebanese capital.
For many observers, the date and location of this strike raise questions, at a time when diplomatic signals were rare but real.
A contrast between political words and military fait accompli
On Friday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared that Lebanon was ready to participate in a process of discussions supervised by international guarantors, in order to put an end to aggressions on the southern border. This opening remained fragile, but constituted a significant development in an extremely polarized national context.
Sunday’s attack brutally calls into question the possibility of a lull, while Lebanon is struggling to emerge from several simultaneous crises – political, economic and security.
Reactions multiply after the strike
Hezbollah denounced what it described as a “blatant violation” and spoke of an attack likely to open “a new dangerous phase”.
The Lebanese president condemned an operation aimed, according to him, at “the security of the entire country” and called for international diplomatic mobilization.
The Israeli army, for its part, claims to have targeted a Hezbollah official whom it accuses of being involved in operations against Israel, and indicates that it will continue its actions “as long as the threats persist”.
In the United States, several officials are expressing concern about the risk of a rapid escalation.
In Europe, diplomats are calling for restraint, recalling the fragility of the ceasefire concluded last year.
Also read:
