Israel's recent airstrikes on Lebanon have instilled fear and despair among residents, shattering homes and disrupting livelihoods while leaving people to grapple with ongoing danger and economic hardship.
Israeli warplanes caused extensive damage when they targeted a three-story building in the industrial city of Sinik early Tuesday morning, following several strikes on locations north of the Litani River on Monday. The Israeli army said it targeted Hezbollah and Hamas sites to prevent them from rebuilding their military capabilities. It is reported that one person was injured in the attack.
The Lebanese army announced on Thursday that it had completed the first phase of the weapons inventory plan south of the Litani River, but noted that the Israeli occupation and delays in military aid were hindering its completion. In contrast, the Israeli army described the statement as unrealistic, asserting that Hezbollah and other factions were still present in the area.
Despite a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel that has been in effect since Nov. 27, 2024, the Israeli army still launches strikes in Lebanon from time to time, claiming they are aimed at removing Hezbollah "threats."
The attacks have drawn sharp condemnation from Lebanese officials and raised fears of further escalation. Some analysts suggest that the attacks are part of a broader Israeli strategy to exert pressure on Lebanon.
"We expect that Israel will put pressure on Lebanon in an attempt to extract further concessions, specifically in the geographical area between the Awali River in the north and the Litani River in the south, which may extend to the Lebanese interior, the Lebanese capital, and the suburbs. This escalation will manifest itself in more military operations and aerial bombardment," said Ghassan Melhem, head of the Political Science Department at the Lebanese University.
Meanwhile, many residents express deep concern for their livelihoods, as the bombings have decimated their workplaces. The destruction not only threatens their immediate economic stability but also creates an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty about the future.
"This attack on the industrial city where we are located is an act of sabotage against the people. This is a baklava factory, with a metal workshop above it and a blacksmith's workshop below it, as well as a plumber and a day laborer. If these people don't work, they have no means of support," said a local factory owner.
Lebanon residents say Israeli airstrikes are destroying their lives
