Beirut's southern suburbs, in Lebanon, being hit by Israeli airstrikes on the morning of March 3, 2026. IBRAHIM AMRO/AFP
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he scenario had been set in advance. Hezbollah's intervention in the war pitting Iran against Israel and the United States has threatened to trigger a new, devastating Israeli offensive – one that would be catastrophic for Lebanon as well as for the Shiite party and militia organization. Hezbollah, severely weakened by the last war in autumn 2024, had, until now, taken care not to provoke Israel – despite the country's repeated violations of their ceasefire agreement. However, the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei finally drove Hezbollah to enter the conflict against Israel, striking at night on Sunday, March 1.
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Israel unleashes unlimited firepower in Iran and Lebanon
