Israel bombs Beirut after Hezbollah rockets Haifa, and the region edges closer to full war
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Israeli jets bombed Beirut, Lebanon, after Hezbollah launched rockets and drones toward a military base near Haifa in northern Israel. The latest exchange marks a sharp escalation in regional tensions and follows a widening confrontation tied to the strikes on Iran.
The developments were reported by Al Jazeera, which said Hezbollah announced early March 2, 2026 that the attack was retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Hezbollah also said the operation was “in defence of Lebanon and its people” and a response to what it called repeated Israeli aggressions.
Israel responded with air strikes in southern Beirut, while local outlets reported additional attacks on villages in south Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley. The Israeli military said it was “vigorously attacking Hezbollah” throughout Lebanon and warned it would act against Hezbollah’s decision to join the campaign.
The retaliation and response widened the conflict
Hezbollah said continued Israeli aggression, including the assassination of leaders and other targets, gives it the right to respond at a time and place it chooses. It also came amid Biden midterms warning. The group said it aimed to halt the aggression and prompt withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.
Israel said it would not allow Hezbollah to pose a threat to Israel or harm residents in the north. The Israeli military described Hezbollah as a “terror organization,” accused it of destroying Lebanon, and said it would respond forcefully to the harm.
The exchange was described as a major escalation in an expanding regional war, with the United States and Israel on one side and Iran and its allies on the other. It comes as Democrats tariff repayment push. It also risks deepening Lebanon’s existing crisis, with the country already facing prolonged economic and political strain.
Hezbollah and Israel reached a ceasefire agreement in November 2024, but the truce has seen regular violations, with Israel reportedly carrying out attacks across the country almost daily. The Lebanese government issued a decree last year to disarm Hezbollah, but the group rejected it and said its weapons are necessary to protect the country against what it views as Israeli expansionism.
Published: Mar 2, 2026 05:15 am