Hezbollah Claims Drone Attack on Israeli Air Base After Beirut Raids

Beirut – Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a drone attack on the Ramat David air base in northern Israel, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the militant group and Israel.

The attack, launched early Tuesday, was described by Hezbollah as a response to Israel's intensified military actions across several Lebanese regions, including Beirut's southern suburbs. These actions have reportedly resulted in numerous civilian casualties, according to Lebanese official data.

According to a statement released by Hezbollah, the coordinated drone strike targeted the air base's radar systems and control rooms. The group asserted that the operation was a direct retaliation for what it termed Israel's “criminal aggression,” which has allegedly devastated residential areas, civilian infrastructure, and displaced families in Lebanon.

The southern suburbs of Beirut, a known stronghold of Hezbollah, have experienced intensified Israeli airstrikes in recent hours, further fueling the escalating conflict.

Lebanese officials report that the Israeli strikes have hit densely populated residential neighborhoods, leading to casualties, including women and children, and widespread damage to buildings and service networks.

Israel maintains that its operations target military infrastructure, while Lebanese authorities insist that civilian areas have been hit, raising concerns about a potential full-scale confrontation, given Lebanon's precarious security and economic situation.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli military announced a series of extensive airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut, allegedly hitting command centers and weapons depots.

Hezbollah's Al-Manar television reported that Israeli airstrikes targeted its building in Beirut's southern district of Haret Hreik. Live footage showed plumes of smoke rising from the targeted area following the strike, which coincided with Israel's declaration of an “offensive battle” on the northern front.

The Israeli military has also issued warnings to residents of 59 villages and towns in southern Lebanon, ordering them to evacuate immediately, claiming that Hezbollah's military activities in these areas necessitate forceful action.

Ramat David air base is a key Israeli military installation in northern Israel, used to manage air operations on the northern front.

Hezbollah insists that its response has been limited to military targets, framing the operation as an act of “defense of the land and people,” and warning that targeting civilians risks escalating the conflict and undermining de-escalation efforts.

Hezbollah stated that its actions are a response to ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon, which it considers an unjustifiable violation of national sovereignty. They emphasized that confronting this aggression is a legitimate right to restore security and stability.

The group called on relevant parties to halt Israeli aggression, asserting that diplomatic efforts have failed to restrain Israel and enforce ceasefire agreements.

Hezbollah has repeatedly stated that aggression without retaliation is unsustainable and that actions of assassination and destruction must be stopped by all available means.