Beirut – On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Israeli fighter jets carried out strong airstrikes on parts of Beirut, hitting what they called Hezbollah command posts and places where weapons were kept in the Dahiyeh area, a busy southern suburb. At the same time, a video caught a Middle East Airlines passenger plane lifting off from the nearby Rafic Hariri International Airport, with big blasts and smoke in the background. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared black-and-white videos from the air showing their attacks and extra explosions from hidden arms. Hezbollah fired back with drones at an Israeli air base. The airport kept running, and no one on the plane got hurt, showing how brave the pilots are in this growing fight linked to bigger troubles in the region.
This event is part of a bigger clash that started when Hezbollah sent rockets and drones at Israel, saying it was in reply to earlier attacks. Israel hit back hard, killing at least 52 people and hurting 154 others in Lebanon, as per the country’s health ministry. Most deaths were in the south, but the strikes reached Beirut too. People in the city felt the ground shake, and many ran from their homes in fear.
What Led to the Strikes?
The trouble kicked off early on March 2, 2026, when Hezbollah launched rockets and drones at a military spot near Haifa in north Israel. They said it was payback for Israeli actions. Israel quickly answered with airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, a place where Hezbollah has strong hold. Local TV like al-Jadeed showed big blasts in Dahiyeh, making people leave their houses fast.
The IDF said their planes hit “Hezbollah command centers and weapons storage facilities” in Beirut and south Lebanon. They put out videos showing exact hits, with more blasts happening because of stored bombs. “These strikes are to stop Hezbollah from attacking us,” an IDF spokesperson said in a statement. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been fighting Israel for a long time, and this is the latest round.
This fight is tied to wider problems in West Asia, including clashes with Iran and the US. Reports say Iranian drones hit places like the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and there are talks of US planes crashing in Kuwait. Lebanon’s government called an urgent meeting after the attacks. “We are facing unlawful attacks,” a Lebanese official told reporters, asking the world to step in.
Experts say this could grow into a bigger war. “The strikes show how tense things are,” said a security analyst from a think tank in Delhi. “Both sides are hitting hard, and civilians are paying the price.” In Beirut, the blasts damaged buildings, and rescue teams were busy helping the hurt.
The Dramatic Plane Takeoff
The most shocking part was the passenger plane taking off right when the strikes happened. Footage from AP and other news showed a Middle East Airlines jet climbing into the sky as smoke rose from Dahiyeh, just next to the airport. The plane flew over the city safely, with no harm to anyone on board.
Rafic Hariri International Airport, Beirut’s main airport, stayed open even with the attacks close by. “The airport is working as usual,” an airport official said. Pilots and air traffic controllers showed great skill to keep things going. “It’s like flying in a war zone,” a pilot who flew that day told local media. “We train for this, but it’s scary.”
The video went viral, with people praising the pilots’ courage. “They kept calm under fire,” said a passenger on another flight. This shows how normal life tries to go on even in conflict. But it also raises worries about safety for flights in the area. Some airlines have stopped flights to Beirut because of the risks.
Casualties and Damage in Beirut
The strikes caused a lot of harm. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said at least 52 people died and 154 got hurt from the Israeli attacks on March 3. Many were in Dahiyeh, a crowded place with homes and shops. Buildings were hit hard, with one apartment block badly damaged. Smoke filled the sky, and people could hear explosions from far away.
In south Lebanon, more strikes killed others. “About two-thirds of the dead are from the south,” the ministry added. Hezbollah said they lost some fighters, but didn’t give numbers. On Israel’s side, there were no big losses from Hezbollah’s drones, but the attack made people there worried.
Rescue workers dug through rubble to find survivors. “We heard a big boom, and the house shook,” a resident of Dahiyeh told BBC. Many families lost homes, and hospitals were full. The Lebanese Red Cross helped move the injured.
This is not new for Beirut. The city has seen wars before, like in 2006 between Israel and Hezbollah. But this time, with wider involvement from Iran and the US, things could get worse. “The damage is big, and rebuilding will take time,” said a local NGO worker.
Hezbollah’s Response and Israel’s Strategy
Hezbollah didn’t stay quiet. They sent drones at an Israeli airbase, saying it was to hit back. “We will keep fighting,” a Hezbollah spokesperson said on their TV. They claim to have hurt Israeli forces, but Israel says the drones didn’t do much damage.
Israel’s plan seems to be hitting Hezbollah hard to weaken them. The IDF targeted top leaders and weapon spots. “We are taking out threats,” said Israeli Prime Minister in a speech. But critics say this puts civilians at risk. Human rights groups called for care to avoid hurting innocents.
The US is involved too, with strikes on Iran-linked groups. “We stand with Israel,” a US official said. But some worry this could lead to a full war. Iran called the attacks “aggression” and promised to reply.
Impact on Civilians and Economy
For people in Beirut, life is tough. Many in Dahiyeh fled to safer parts. Schools and shops closed, and traffic was bad. “We can’t sleep at night,” a mother told reporters. The economy, already weak, suffers more. Lebanon has money problems, and war makes it worse.
Tourism and business are hit. The airport staying open is good, but fewer flights come. “Business is down,” a shop owner said. Aid groups are sending help, but it’s not enough.
In Israel, people in the north are scared of more rockets. Shelters are ready, and some left homes. The fight costs a lot for both sides.
Global Reactions to the Conflict
The world is watching. The UN called for peace. “Stop the violence,” the UN chief said. India, with many workers in the region, asked its people to be safe. “We are worried about our citizens,” an Indian diplomat said.
The EU and Arab countries want talks. But with Iran involved, it’s hard. “This could spread,” a European leader warned. Protests happened in many cities against the strikes.
Experts say diplomacy is key. “Both sides need to talk,” a peace activist said. But for now, the guns are talking.
What Happens Next?
No one knows how long this will last. Israel says they will keep striking if Hezbollah attacks. Hezbollah vows to fight on. “We are ready,” their leader said.
Lebanon wants help from the world to stop the war. The US might try to calm things. But with deaths rising, peace seems far.
This event with the plane shows how close danger is to daily life. People hope for quiet soon.
FAQs on Israeli Strikes in Beirut and the Plane Incident
1. What happened in Beirut on March 3, 2026?
Israeli jets bombed Dahiyeh in Beirut, targeting Hezbollah spots. A plane took off safely amid blasts. At least 52 died, 154 hurt. It started after Hezbollah attacked Israel.
2. Was the passenger plane in danger?
The Middle East Airlines plane flew safely, no injuries. Airport stayed open, pilots handled it well.
3. Why did Israel strike Beirut?
To hit Hezbollah commands and weapons after their rocket and drone attack on Israel.
4. How did Hezbollah respond?
They sent drones at an Israeli base and promised more fights.
5. What is the bigger picture?
Part of Israel-Hezbollah clash, linked to Iran-US tensions. Could grow bigger.
6. How are civilians affected?
Many fled, homes damaged, economy hurt. Aid needed.
7. What is the world saying?
UN wants stop, India worries for its people. Calls for peace.