Lebanon fears full-scale conflict after elimination of Hezbollah’s top military commander Shukr
Lebanon, once known as the "Switzerland of the Middle East," remains a nation of dramatic contrasts.
On the same evening that the Israeli military eliminated Fuad Shukr, the military commander of the Hezbollah terrorist organization, in southern Beirut's suburb of Danieh, a large number of young Lebanese attended a beach concert featuring the Syrian TikTok star "Al-Shami."
Just a few hours later, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, an act widely attributed to Israel Defense Forces. In response, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and the Iranian regime have vowed a strong retaliation against Israel.
Lebanese civilians are reportedly increasingly fearful of a potential full-scale war between Hezbollah and Israel, which would likely have devastating consequences for the capital, where Hezbollah maintains a significant presence. Beirut’s once famous nightlife is notably quieter amid the growing regional tensions.
"You are a great people. I know we are going through tough times. These are not the best moments of our lives, but I came to bring you some joy, despite everything," the Syrian TikTok celebrity told his audience at the concert.
Shukr's death led to chaos in Beirut, as the Hezbollah forces blocked the area of the strike, preventing access for local news media. It reportedly took hours for Hezbollah to retrieve Shukr's body from under the rubble.
Videos on social media published footage of attacks on journalists who worked for Al Jazeera, Sky News and Lebanese MTV.
The pro-Hezbollah newspaper Al-Akhbar blasted the attendees at the concert.
"While remains of the deceased were being collected, Al-Shami performed a concert on Beirut’s beach," the paper wrote. "Al-Shami did not pay tribute to the martyrs or the injured but sang without being shaken by the scenes from Dahieh."
The pro-Hezbollah news outlet also condemned the circulation of videos titled "Beirut dances with Al-Shami."
A local journalist reflected on the diverse facets of Lebanese society.
"I don’t know if we are a strong and great people who love life or people unaware of what is happening around them. What matters is that the audience was happy," the journalist wrote on 𝕏.
In an act of solidarity, Hezbollah launched an unprovoked attack on northern Israel on Oct. 8, the day after Hamas terrorists invaded and killed 1,200 Israelis in southern Israeli border communities with Gaza.
Since then, Hezbollah has fired thousands of rockets and drones into Israel. Israel Defense Forces have responded by targeting Hezbollah sites and eliminating hundreds of Hezbollah operatives, including senior commanders.
While the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has so far been concentrated in southern Lebanon and northern Israel, many on both sides of the shared border are concerned the conflict will continue to escalate and lead to a full-scale war. Residents of Beirut reportedly fear that intense clashes in southern Lebanon will reach the capital and lead to shortages of fuel, food and medical care.
Lebanese Economy Minister Amin Salam attempted to calm the population.
“When the war started, we discussed the readiness of the state and the private sector. We confirm that supplies are available, and ships are arriving," Salam reportedly told a local news outlet.
Lebanese Health Minister Firas Al-Abyad and other senior government officials have also tried to calm the tensions in Lebanese society, which is reportedly becoming increasingly divided.
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The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel.
