Israel ignores U.S. concerns and bombards Beirut again, evacuating more than a quarter of the Israeli-Lebanese conflict area after two weeks of conflict

In a recent development following an airstrike on southern Beirut, the U.S. has expressed its opposition to Israel’s actions in the Lebanese capital. Shortly after the U.S. voiced concerns, at least one attack occurred in southern Beirut, marking Israel’s renewed missile strikes in the area after a six-day hiatus.

According to a Reuters report, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated on October 15 that Washington communicated its concerns to the Netanyahu government regarding the scope and nature of recent bombings in Beirut. He emphasized that the U.S. had clearly expressed its worries and opposition to Israel’s conduct over the past few weeks.

Just hours later, reports emerged of further attacks in southern Beirut. Witnesses reported hearing two explosions and seeing plumes of smoke rising from different neighborhoods. Earlier that morning, Israel had issued warnings to evacuate but only mentioned one specific building.

In recent weeks, the Israeli military has launched assaults on Hezbollah positions in the southern suburbs of Beirut without prior warning, often while simultaneously conducting broader attacks in areas where warnings had been issued.

The last major assault on Beirut occurred on October 10, resulting in 22 fatalities from two attacks near the city center, which leveled entire buildings in densely populated areas.

According to the United Nations refugee agency, over two weeks into Israel’s invasion of southern Lebanon, military withdrawal orders from Israel have affected more than a quarter of the region, purportedly to combat Hezbollah forces.