Israel carried out airstrikes in Beirut on Wednesday for the first time since a ceasefire with Hezbollah took effect last month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the operation targeted a senior commander from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force.
In a joint statement with Defence Minister Israel Katz, Netanyahu said the strike was ordered to “neutralize” the commander. Israeli officials later said that the Radwan Force chief, along with his deputy and several terrorists who were with them, were killed. However, there was no immediate confirmation from the military or Hezbollah. The strike marks a sharp escalation after the US-mediated ceasefire, which had halted Israeli attacks on Beirut.
Iran has demanded a pause in Beirut strikes to establish peace in the Middle East. The latest strike comes at a time when the US and Iran are inching towards progress in talks.
STRIKES CONTINUE ACROSS LEBANON
While the ceasefire remains formally in place, Israeli forces have continued operations in southern Lebanon. Lebanese authorities said Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley killed at least 13 people during the day.
In Khirbet Selm, two people were killed and one injured in a raid. Another two were killed in Tyre after a strike targeted a vehicle on the al-Haday road between Wadi Jilo and Tirdaba. In Siksikiyah, five civilians were killed and 15 wounded in an airstrike.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry earlier reported additional casualties in the town of Zelaya, including two women and an elderly man. Israeli drones were also reported over Beirut again, after a period of absence following the ceasefire.
HEZBOLLAH STRIKES BACK
The Israel Defense Forces said Hezbollah launched explosive drones and rockets at Israeli troops in southern Lebanon, injuring two soldiers. The military also said it intercepted a hostile aircraft before it entered Israeli airspace and carried out further strikes on Hezbollah-linked sites. Hezbollah said it targeted multiple Israeli positions in response to civilian deaths.
Diplomatic efforts between Israel and Lebanon are limited. Talks have continued at the ambassador level, but progress towards higher-level engagement appears slow. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said it was “premature” to expect any senior-level meetings.
He said stabilising the ceasefire would be the foundation for future negotiations. “Our minimum demand is a timetable for Israel’s withdrawal,” Salam added, while also pointing to plans to bring weapons under state control. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also stated that conditions were not yet right for a meeting with Netanyahu.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll. Lebanon’s Health Ministry says more than 2,700 people have been killed in Israeli strikes.
– Ends
With inputs from agencies
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