Thousands Flee Beirut as Israel Expands Military Operation

Thousands of people fled the southern suburbs of Lebanon’s capital following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement that Israel would expand its military operations against Hezbollah. The declaration signaled a potential escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Beirut faced the threat of an Israeli bombardment after Israel announced plans to target the city’s southern suburbs. This warning raised fears about the stability of the fragile cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that he ordered the Israeli military to attack the outskirts of Beirut, specifically Dahiya, in response to the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. Although Israel has avoided attacking the city since the U.S.-Iran cease-fire began in early April, it has continued operations in southern and eastern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has targeted Israeli forces in Lebanon and sites in northern Israel.

The announcement caused chaos, with thousands of residents departing their homes and crowding the area’s roads. For many residents, this sudden evacuation has become an unfortunate routine over the past three years due to conflicts between Hezbollah and Israel.

“I lost count of how many times I’ve evacuated,” stated Zahra Khomasi, aged 43, from her car in Tayouneh, located on Dahiya’s outskirts.

Ms. Khomasi evacuated her home during the 2024 escalation and once more when the current conflict began in March. She returned in April when a cease-fire was implemented, only to pack up hastily again, leaving with her 14-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter.

“We’ve somehow become used to this,” Ms. Khomasi remarked.

Numerous residents in Dahiya have experienced multiple evacuations since 2023. That year, Hezbollah’s support for Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, led to violent clashes with Israel. Although a cease-fire was declared in November 2024, fighting has persisted across Lebanon.