Beirut bombed as Israeli military advances deeper into Lebanese territory

Israel carried out a series of strikes across Beirut early Wednesday, intensifying its assault on the Lebanese capital as ground troops push deeper into southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military struck multiple neighbourhoods overnight and into Wednesday morning, hitting buildings in the Laylaki, Hadith, Haret Hreik and al-Jamous areas. The attacks sent large plumes of smoke rising over Beirut’s skyline.

An early morning airstrike also targeted the Comfort Hotel in Hazmieh, a predominantly Christian part of Greater Beirut, with images showing blown-out windows and debris scattered across the street.

Residents said the strike came without warning, prompting some local media to suggest it may have been an assassination attempt. The Israeli military has not commented on the intended target.

The Palace of Justice in Baabda was evacuated after Israeli threats reportedly targeted a nearby building, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed’s correspondent.

Beyond the capital, Israeli strikes continued across Lebanon, with a residential building in Baalbek, eastern Lebanon, bombed killing five people and injuring 15 others, according to the National News Agency (NNA), with at least three still missing.

Airstrikes and drone attacks also hit several southern towns 0 including Srifa, Shaqra, Aitaroun, Beit Leef, Kfarshouba, Khiam, and Taybeh - in parallel with the ongoing Israeli ground incursion.

On Monday, an Israeli attack destroyed the headquarters of Jamaa Islamiya in the southern city of Sidon.

Israeli forces advance in the south

Israeli troops continue to move further into Lebanese territory, raising fears of a wider invasion.

NNA reported that ground forces have reached the outskirts of Kfarchouba, expanding beyond the five border points under Israeli control prior to the latest escalation with Iran.

The Israeli army said Wednesday morning that it had deployed its 146th Division to the western section of the Lebanese border and claimed to have struck 250 Hezbollah targets since Monday.

Israel also issued a sweeping evacuation order for all residents of southern Lebanon, urging them to move north of the Litani River "to ensure their safety", which analysts view as a possible precursor to an expanded military occupation of southern Lebanon.

This latest order follows earlier warnings for more than 50 villages in the south and Bekaa to evacuate or risk being targeted.

Israel, meanwhile, reported intercepting multiple missiles launched from Lebanon, several of which landed in open areas in northern Israel.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a missile salvo targeting Israeli troops in Metula overnight, though Israel has not confirmed any casualties or injuries.

On Monday, the Iran-backed group said it launched missiles and drones at a site in Haifa in response to the assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In neighbouring Syria, state media reported that the army has reinforced troops along its borders with Lebanon and Iraq as a "precautionary measure" amid the escalating regional conflict.

At least 40 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since Monday, according to Lebanon’s health ministry, and more than 30,000 have been displaced by the bombing campaign.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun spoke by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, requesting Paris to help halt Israel’s military expansion.