WASHINGTON/TEL AVIV — President-elect Donald Trump has promised to swiftly lift all restrictions and delays on military aid to Israel upon taking office, according to reports. The move is seen as part of a diplomatic effort to encourage Israel to agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon before his inauguration.
Conflict Intensifies in Lebanon:
- Beirut Airstrikes: Following evacuation orders issued by Israel to certain areas of Beirut, the city saw multiple airstrikes targeting locations believed to be associated with Hezbollah, leading to significant destruction.
- Civil Defense Tragedy: In a particularly grim event, Israeli strikes hit a civil defense center in Baalbek, northeastern Lebanon, killing at least 12 emergency workers, including Bilal Raad, the civil defense chief of the city. The regional governor, Bachir Khodr, reported that over 20 people were inside the center, with ongoing rescue operations to find survivors.
- Response from Lebanon: Lebanon’s civil defense, a state service not linked to Hezbollah, was struck, highlighting the broader impact of the conflict on civilian infrastructure.
Simultaneous Syrian Strikes:
- Damascus Attack: On the same day, Israeli fighter jets conducted airstrikes in Damascus, targeting sites connected to Palestinian Islamic Jihad, another group backed by Iran. The Syrian state media reported at least 15 fatalities and 16 injuries from these attacks.
Military and Political Context:
- Hezbollah and Hamas: The Israeli military has escalated its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, following the group’s attacks in support of Hamas, which initiated a significant assault against Israel from Gaza on October 7, 2023.
- Israeli Military Silence: The Israel Defense Forces have not immediately commented on the strikes in Baalbek, though their actions suggest a continued focus on neutralizing threats from Hezbollah.
International Implications:
- Diplomatic Efforts: Trump’s pledge to expedite arms deliveries could be an attempt to leverage military support for diplomatic outcomes in the region, potentially aiming to de-escalate conflicts before they spiral further.
- Human Cost: The civilian casualties in both Lebanon and Syria underscore the dire humanitarian implications of the ongoing military engagements between Israel and Iran-backed groups.
