Israeli Warplanes Fly Over Various Areas in Beirut

Israeli warplanes conducted low-altitude flights over several areas of Beirut on Sunday, causing alarm among residents and raising regional tensions. 

Witnesses reported hearing the roar of fighter jets over the Lebanese capital, with aircraft seen flying over both central and southern neighborhoods.

According to domestic media, the overflights extended to the suburbs of Beirut and parts of southern Lebanon. The Lebanese army confirmed the incursions, stating that Israeli aircraft violated Lebanese airspace multiple times throughout the day.

Lebanon's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the actions, describing them as a breach of Lebanese sovereignty and a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The ministry called on the international community to intervene and pressure Israel to cease its repeated airspace violations.

This incident comes amid heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, where sporadic skirmishes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants have raised fears of a broader conflict. In recent weeks, both sides have exchanged warnings, with Israel accusing Hezbollah of building up its military presence along the border, while Hezbollah has criticized Israeli airstrikes in Syria, which often target Iranian-backed groups.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which monitors the border region, has urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate the situation. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti called for respect of Lebanese sovereignty and adherence to international resolutions.

The Israeli military has not commented on the overflights. However, such actions are often part of intelligence-gathering operations or demonstrations of military readiness, particularly when regional tensions are high.

As Lebanese officials prepare to raise the issue with the United Nations, analysts warn that continued airspace violations could inflame an already fragile situation, with potential ramifications for stability in Lebanon and the broader Middle East.