Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is bracing for a potential Israeli bombardment after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a broader military campaign against Hezbollah. This announcement raised concerns about the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to target the southern suburbs of Beirut known as Dahiya. The region is associated with Hezbollah, the influential militia supported by Iran. Israel has mostly refrained from targeting Beirut since a ceasefire between the United States and Iran began in April, though it has continued strikes in southern and eastern Lebanon. Hezbollah has been attacking Israeli forces in Lebanon and targets in northern Israel.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s announcement led to thousands of residents fleeing their homes. Roads out of Dahiya became congested late Monday morning. This situation has become an unfortunate routine for residents after nearly three years of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

“I lost count of how many times I’ve evacuated,” said Zahra Khomasi, 43, as she sat in her car on the outskirts of Dahiya.

Khomasi evacuated her home during the last major escalation between Hezbollah and Israel in 2024 and again when the current conflict began in March. She returned after a ceasefire was established in April, only to leave once more, accompanied by her 14-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter.

Many families in Dahiya have experienced similar repeated evacuations since 2023. Hezbollah supported its ally Hamas against Israel, sparking a major conflict. A ceasefire in Lebanon was declared in November 2024, but fighting persisted in many areas.