Escalating tensions in the Middle East saw Israel launch a series of strikes targeting Beirut and southern Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 10-11, 2026, while also reportedly preparing for a potential ground operation. The developments come amid a broader regional conflict and increasing concerns about a wider war.
Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on buildings in the southern suburbs of Beirut, claiming they were used as “headquarters for terrorist activity,” including intelligence centers and facilities linked to Hezbollah’s Radwan Force, according to reports. The strikes targeted at least 10 buildings in the area.
The attacks followed a barrage of rockets and drones launched by Hezbollah into northern Israel, part of what the group termed “The Bitter Sting” operation. Israel responded with a message stating, “An eye for an eye,” signaling a further escalation in hostilities.
According to reports from the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, individuals close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are pushing for an increased Israeli military presence in Lebanon. Israel has reportedly established 18 novel positions in southern Lebanon. Annahar News details the escalating situation.
Adding to the complexity, President Donald Trump has reportedly given Israel a “green light” to begin a large-scale ground operation in Lebanon, according to Euronews. The U.S. Previously set a deadline of January 1, 2026, for Hezbollah to disarm, as part of a ceasefire agreement reached in late 2024.
Hezbollah announced it carried out 38 military operations on Wednesday, including 33 attacks targeting Israel and five within Lebanon, utilizing rockets, drones and artillery. This represents the largest number of operations since the start of “The Bitter Sting.”
Israeli officials have reportedly indicated a willingness to potentially take control of Lebanese territory in response to continued rocket fire from Hezbollah. The Israeli military is preparing to deploy the 162nd Division to operate independently within Lebanon, Al Jazeera reported on March 9, 2026.
The conflict is unfolding against a backdrop of increasing tensions, with reports of Iranian-backed attacks in Iraq, Bahrain, and Oman. The situation has also sparked growing anger within Lebanon towards Hezbollah, with some residents blaming the group for drawing the country into a new war, according to Monte Carlo International.
At least 49 people have been killed or injured in Israeli strikes on Lebanon, according to Okaz.
