The importance of the major airstrike in central Beirut over the weekend is that there was no call for evacuation. It is also part of a growing pattern of strikes on areas outside the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahiyeh.
It reportedly marked the fourth Israeli airstrike over this past week targeting a central area of Beirut, while previously the bulk of Israel’s attacks have targeted the Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs.
It’s possible that Hezbollah leaders are now fleeing Dahiyeh and other Hezbollah strongholds. Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif was eliminated a few days ago, also outside the Hezbollah stronghold.
Hezbollah may feel it must hide out in other areas of Beirut. This aids Hezbollah, because any airstrikes also harm communities that are not loyal to it, such as Christians or Sunnis or others. Hezbollah has always sought to exploit civilian areas of Lebanon; however, it has had difficulties penetrating or making inroads outside of Shi’ite areas.
Hezbollah is now being pressured in Beirut and also in southern Lebanon. The IDF continues to advance against the group in the south. Reports in local media and online say that the IDF is pressuring Hezbollah along the coast near Naqoura and also near El-Khiam and Marjayoun.