Israeli air strikes struck Beirut on Tuesday morning, March 3, 2026, with explosions and smoke plumes visible across the Lebanese capital. The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating it targeted "Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities" in the city. Meanwhile, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching drones toward an Israeli air base in retaliation.
Footage circulating online shows thick smoke rising near residential areas, raising concerns about civilian safety. The exchange marks one of the most significant escalations in cross-border hostilities this year, with regional analysts warning of potential spillover effects on Middle Eastern stability.
Lebanese authorities have yet to release an official casualty count, while international observers call for restraint. The strikes come amid heightened tensions following recent clashes along the Lebanon-Israel border, underscoring the fragile security landscape in the region.
