Thousands Evacuate Beirut Amid Israeli Attack Warnings

Residents in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, fled their homes after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an expanded Israeli military campaign against Hezbollah. The retreat from these areas occurred amid fears of an imminent Israeli assault.

Netanyahu’s declaration indicated a direct order for the Israeli military to strike Dahiya, the southern outskirts of Beirut. This move is part of a larger effort against Hezbollah, a militia backed by Iran. The announcement came despite an earlier U.S.-Iran cease-fire which had limited Israeli attacks on Beirut, though the Israeli military has continued operations in southern and eastern Lebanon.

Hezbollah has periodically fired at Israeli forces and northern Israel targets, fueling ongoing tensions. The announcement triggered a mass exodus, with thousands of residents jamming roads as they evacuated their homes late Monday morning. For many, this scene has repeated itself over the nearly three years of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

“I lost count of how many times I’ve evacuated,” said Zahra Khomasi, a resident affected by the hostilities. She recounted her experiences of fleeing her home during escalations in 2024 and again in recent months. Her return after the cease-fire in April was short-lived, as she once more packed to leave with her children.

Dahiya has seen numerous evacuations since 2023, when Hezbollah engaged Israeli positions to support Hamas, leading to a significant conflict. Though a cease-fire was declared in November 2024, sporadic fighting persisted throughout Lebanon.