Stark Images Show Israeli Strikes Strike Heart of Arab Nation

Israeli rocket strikes on Beirut have been reported amidst thick black smoke plumes during the wider US-Israel conflict with Iran and Lebanon on Thursday, 12 March 2026. The strikes reportedly expanded into Lebanese territory, with one bombardment hitting central Beirut near government complexes.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the military had been ordered to expand its military campaign, including operations into Lebanon. “We promise calm and security to residents in the north, and that is what we will deliver,” Katz said during a meeting with senior military officials, according to Reuters on Friday, 13 March.

The air strike struck a building in the Bachoura area, approximately one kilometre from Lebanon’s government office, the Grand Serail, at around 17:30 local time. Before the strikes, Israeli military issued warnings to residents to evacuate areas described as being near Hezbollah facilities that were targets. Shortly thereafter, similar warnings were issued to residents in the nearby Zuqaq al-Blat district. A subsequent strike then struck a building closer to the government complex.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported additional strikes that occurred at dawn in Beirut, killing at least 12 people. The bombardment struck a waterfront promenade where dozens of refugee families had set up tents for shelter.

Since the previous week, Israel has intensified air strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon as well as southern suburbs of Beirut, which serve as a Hezbollah stronghold. Lebanese authorities report total deaths from these strikes have reached 687, including 98 children, 62 women, and 18 medical personnel.