Netanyahu orders strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, complicating US-Iran mediation
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which are under Hezbollah's control, heightening tensions and hindering diplomatic initiatives related to the US-Iran conflict. This decision followed the capture of the historic Beaufort Castle by Israeli ground forces, marking their furthest advance into Lebanon in 26 years. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry, emphasized that Israeli actions in Lebanon are obstructing diplomatic negotiations, asserting that a ceasefire in Lebanon is essential for any agreement. Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz targeted 'terrorist sites' in Dahiyeh, pointing to Hezbollah's breaches of the ceasefire. Since the ceasefire declared by US President Donald Trump on April 16, Israel had conducted only two strikes in Dahiyeh.
Key facts
- Netanyahu ordered strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs on Monday.
- Israeli ground forces captured Beaufort Castle, the deepest point in Lebanon in 26 years.
- Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson said Israeli attacks delay US-Iran mediation.
- Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered attacks on Dahiyeh.
- Israel had only struck Dahiyeh twice since the April 16 ceasefire.
- Beaufort Castle was last held by Israel in May 2000.
- The ceasefire was announced by US President Donald Trump on April 16.
- Hezbollah controls the southern suburbs of Beirut.
Entities
Institutions
- Hezbollah
- Israeli military
- Iran's foreign ministry
- Netanyahu's office
Locations
- Beirut
- Lebanon
- Dahiyeh
- Beaufort Castle
- southern Lebanon
- Israel
- Iran
- United States