Israel intensifies airstrikes on Beirut as the cabinet prepares to discuss a potential Hezbollah ceasefire agreement.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has launched extensive attacks on Hezbollah targets in the Beirut area, following new evacuation orders for residents in the city's southern suburbs.
The IDF issued an urgent warning to those living or working in specific buildings in the southern suburbs, advising them to evacuate immediately due to their proximity to Hezbollah facilities. The evacuation notice, shared on X, urges residents to stay at least 500 meters (1,640 feet) away from these buildings for their safety.
On Tuesday morning, the IDF had already targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut after issuing a similar warning.
Meanwhile, a massive explosion was reported in central Beirut, with no prior warning from Israel's military, according to Middle East correspondent Hugo Bachega. Israeli airstrikes had caused large plumes of smoke to rise over southern Beirut.
Reports indicate that Israel’s security cabinet is set to approve a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal with Hezbollah later today. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib expressed optimism that a deal could be reached by tonight. Despite ongoing airstrikes and Hezbollah's rocket fire into northern Israel, there is hope for a ceasefire agreement.
The proposed plan involves Israeli forces withdrawing from southern Lebanon within 60 days, while the Lebanese army would take over the region. Hezbollah would also cease its armed presence within 30 kilometers (20 miles) of the Israeli border. While some Israeli far-right ministers oppose the deal, it is expected to be approved by the security cabinet.
Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, emphasized that the country would demand strong UN enforcement of any ceasefire agreement, maintaining a stance of "zero tolerance" toward violations.
Earlier, the IDF confirmed airstrikes on six Hezbollah targets in southern Beirut, including infrastructure used by Hezbollah’s missile units and command centers in the Dahieh area, a region controlled by the militant group. The IDF stated that steps were taken to minimize civilian harm, referring to the evacuation orders that were issued before the strikes.
Hezbollah has yet to comment on the latest attacks.