In recent months, residents of Beirut have experienced a new wave of anxiety as Israeli jets have increasingly unleashed sonic booms over Lebanon. These thunderous noises, caused by aircraft traveling faster than the speed of sound, have triggered memories of past traumas, particularly the devastating Beirut port explosion in 2020. Many citizens, like 26-year-old Eliah Kaylough, have reported feeling a deep sense of fear and confusion, mistaking these booms for bomb blasts. This psychological tactic is seen as part of a broader strategy by Israel to intimidate the Lebanese population amid ongoing tensions with Hezbollah.
The sonic booms began to escalate after the conflict in Gaza intensified on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel. In the wake of this attack, Israeli military operations against Hamas have expanded, leading to increased military activity near the Lebanese border. Residents in Beirut have expressed their concerns, stating that the booms serve as a constant reminder of the precarious security situation and the potential for violence. Kaylough, who works in a restaurant, described how the sound transported him back to the harrowing day of the port explosion, where he narrowly escaped injury.
Human Rights Watch has condemned the use of sonic booms as a method of psychological warfare, arguing that it constitutes intimidation against civilians. Ramzi Kaiss, a researcher for the organization, highlighted the importance of protecting civilian populations during conflicts. The sonic booms have not only caused immediate fear but also contributed to long-term psychological distress among those who have lived through previous conflicts. The sound of fighter jets overhead can trigger memories of destruction and loss, adding to the collective trauma experienced by many Lebanese citizens.
Lawrence Abu Hamdan, a sound expert, noted that Israel's use of sonic booms is part of a pattern of airspace violations over Lebanon, which have occurred thousands of times since the 2006 war between Hezbollah and Israel. He emphasized that these tactics are designed to serve as a reminder of Israel's military capabilities and to maintain a state of fear among the Lebanese population. The use of sonic booms, according to Abu Hamdan, reflects an escalation in hostilities and the potential for further conflict.
The psychological impact of these sonic booms has been profound. Beirut resident Rana Farhat recounted how her family reacted to the sudden blasts while dining out. The fear experienced by children and adults alike illustrates the pervasive anxiety that has taken hold in the city. Many residents find themselves checking news updates and social media for confirmation that the sounds are not indicative of an imminent attack. This constant state of alertness is a direct result of living in a region marked by conflict and instability.
As the situation continues to evolve, the Lebanese population remains on edge. The sonic booms serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in the region and the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. For many, the sounds evoke painful memories of past violence, reinforcing a sense of vulnerability in a landscape still healing from previous conflicts. The psychological toll of these tactics raises significant concerns about the long-term effects on the mental health of those living in Lebanon.
In the context of the ongoing Gaza conflict, Israel's strategy of using sonic booms as psychological warfare highlights the complex dynamics at play in the region. The Lebanese population is caught in a web of fear and uncertainty, where the sounds of war echo through their daily lives. As the situation unfolds, the impact of these tactics on the civilian population will likely continue to be a critical aspect of the broader conflict.
