Israel Bombards Christian Settlements on Outskirts of Beirut, Threatens to Make Lebanon Like Gaza

Israeli military forces continue to expand military operations in Lebanon by targeting civilian infrastructure and residential areas. On Friday (14 March 2026), Israeli forces destroyed an important bridge in southern Lebanon whilst dropping threat leaflets over Beirut warning of possible destruction similar to that which occurred in Gaza.

The attacks occurred as Israeli fighter jets again bombarded the outskirts of Beirut. The situation has triggered massive waves of displacement towards the Lebanese capital.

Lebanese Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar stated that the government does not have the capacity to accommodate hundreds of thousands of residents now seeking protection in Beirut.

“No matter how many shelters are opened in Beirut, they cannot accommodate all the refugees,” Al-Hajjar said at a press conference.

Lebanese government media also reported that an Israeli drone struck an apartment in the Bourj Hammoud district, in the northern outskirts of Beirut. This attack marks the first time that the northern area of the capital, which has a predominantly Christian population, has been targeted, indicating the expansion of Israeli military targets.

Civilian infrastructure becomes a target

The Israeli military acknowledged striking the Zrarieh Bridge, which crosses the Litani River, on Friday morning. Israel claimed the bridge was used by Hizbullah militants to move between northern and southern Lebanon, though it provided no evidence for this claim.

The attacks on civilian infrastructure mark a new escalation in Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Under international law, attacks on civilian facilities are generally prohibited, unless they can be demonstrated to be used for military purposes.