Israel strikes southern Beirut on eve of religious holidayWatch: Flames seen in southern Beirut following Israel strikesThe attack occurred despite a ceasefire being in effect between Israel and the armed group for the past six months. Israel has carried out air strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, saying it was targeting Hezbollah's drone production. Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz praised the military's "perfect execution" of the strikes, saying Israel holds the Lebanese government "directly responsible for preventing violations of the ceasefire and all terrorist activity". It culminated in an intense Israeli bombing campaign and ground incursion into southern Lebanon in October. A ceasefire struck in late November between Israel and Lebanon - but not Hezbollah - saw Israel withdraw while the Lebanese army took over policing southern Lebanon.