Israel conducted an airstrike in Beirut on Wednesday, marking the first attack since the ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. The strike targeted a commander of the militant group’s elite Radwan force in the city’s southern suburbs, as confirmed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz.
Reports from Israeli media suggested that the commander was killed in the strike, but there was no immediate confirmation from either the Israeli military or Hezbollah. The ceasefire in Lebanon has played a role in a broader truce between the U.S. and Iran, with a cessation of Israeli strikes in Lebanon being a significant Iranian demand.
Despite talks between Israel and Lebanon at the ambassadorial level, the situation remains tense, with ongoing strikes threatening the ceasefire that halted Israeli attacks on Beirut. Israeli forces remain positioned in areas south of the Litani River, and strikes have continued in southern Lebanon. In response, Hezbollah, an ally of Iran, has retaliated by firing and launching armed drones at Israeli soldiers.
Israel had earlier urged residents to evacuate villages north of the Litani River, potentially expanding its zone of operation. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized the importance of shoring up the ceasefire before engaging in high-level negotiations with Israel. Recent diplomatic efforts between the two countries in Washington have faced opposition from Hezbollah.
The conflict, which started with Hezbollah’s support of Iran on March 2, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The Lebanese government is pushing for peace and a timetable for Israel’s withdrawal from its territory. Meanwhile, Israel maintains a self-declared security zone in southern Lebanon to protect its northern borders from Hezbollah threats.
Recent airstrikes have further escalated tensions, with casualties reported on both sides. The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed fatalities in Zelaya, southern Lebanon, caused by Israeli airstrikes. The Israeli military retaliated by targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in various parts of Lebanon. The ongoing conflict has claimed over 2,700 lives in Lebanon since March 2, with casualties reported on both sides.