Israeli jets break sound barrier over Beirut for 1st time since cease-fire
Smoke rises over residential area following the Israeli attacks on Dahieh region of Beirut, Lebanon on Nov. 24, 2024. (AA Photo)
Israeli warplanes broke the sound barrier over the Lebanese capital, Beirut, and its southern suburbs on Wednesday evening, marking the first such incident since the Nov. 27 cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.
The escalation coincided with reports that Israel is postponing the withdrawal of its military forces from southern Lebanon, despite a Feb. 18 deadline.
According to Lebanon’s state news agency NNA, Israeli fighter jets flew at low altitudes over Beirut, the Matn district in Mount Lebanon, and parts of the Bekaa region in eastern Lebanon.
Lebanese officials denied reports on Wednesday suggesting any agreement to extend the deadline for Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
A fragile cease-fire, in effect since Nov. 27, ended months of heavy shelling between Israel and Hezbollah that had escalated into a full-scale conflict last September.
As part of the cease-fire agreement, Israel was to complete its withdrawal from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26. However, the deadline was later extended to Feb. 18 after Israel failed to meet the initial deadline.
Since the cease-fire took effect, Lebanon has reported nearly 900 Israeli violations, leading to dozens of casualties, including women and children.
