Baalbek’s historic temples remain untouched amid nearby airstrikes

The historic temples of Baalbek in eastern Lebanon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have so far been spared direct damage despite a nearby Israeli airstrike that destroyed an Ottoman-era building. 

The strike, part of an escalating Israeli offensive in the region, has raised concerns about the safety of one of Lebanon’s most treasured archaeological sites.

On Wednesday, an Israeli airstrike targeted a building in the Manshiyeh neighborhood, located just outside the ancient temple complex. The site, known for its Greco-Roman and Phoenician temples, is among the best-preserved heritage locations in the Levant. The strike left behind heaps of grey masonry, twisted metal, and a burnt-out bus just meters from the Acropolis.

The building, dating back to the Ottoman era, was valuable for its historical location, according to Governor Bachir Khodr, though it did not hold significant heritage value itself. "It's a very artisanal neighborhood, typically full of tourists. There was no one in that building," Khodr told Reuters.

While initial assessments from the castle guards indicate that the temple complex remains intact, experts have not yet been able to conduct a thorough evaluation due to ongoing airstrikes. "The guards visually confirmed there was no damage, but we need engineers and archaeologists to verify this. No one has been able to do so because of the strikes," Khodr explained.

This recent airstrike is part of a broader Israeli offensive against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Shi'ite group that Israel accuses of sheltering its leaders in Baalbek. The city, located in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley, has been repeatedly targeted, and residents have been urged to evacuate.

The destruction of Ottoman-era buildings near the site has added to concerns about the safety of Baalbek’s archaeological treasures. Maya Halabi, a representative of the Baalbek International Festival, reported that three Ottoman-era structures, including the Gouraud Barracks, the Palmyra Hotel, and the building destroyed on Wednesday, have suffered damage in recent weeks.

"The Acropolis—where the temples are—is just a few meters away. They haven't been damaged yet, and we hope that won't happen," Halabi said.

Israel launched a massive air and ground assault in September, targeting Hezbollah positions following a year of sporadic cross-border exchanges and in parallel with the ongoing Gaza conflict. Baalbek, known for its rich history and vibrant tourism, has found itself on the front lines of this escalation.

As the strikes continue, the international community watches with growing concern, hoping Lebanon’s invaluable heritage can be preserved amid the violence. For now, the ancient temples of Baalbek stand resilient, a testament to centuries of history, but their future remains uncertain.