An Israeli airstrike destroyed a multi-story building in central Beirut on March 18, 2026, following an evacuation alert issued by the military. The strike, part of a broader escalation across Lebanon, killed over 20 people and injured dozens, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.
The Israeli army stated the operation targeted facilities allegedly linked to Hezbollah, emphasizing its focus on what it described as "militant infrastructure." Lebanese officials condemned the attack as a violation of sovereignty, with rescue teams continuing search operations for survivors into the evening.
The incident marks one of the deadliest single-day escalations in Lebanon since regional tensions surged earlier this year. Analysts warn the strikes could further destabilize cross-border relations amid ongoing regional disputes.
