Reports indicate that at least three individuals, including a member of Hezbollah, have died in Beirut.
The Israeli military (IDF) conducted an airstrike in Beirut’s southern Dahieh area on Tuesday, marking the most significant escalation between Israel and Hezbollah since the November truce.
The IDF stated on X that its jets targeted “a Hezbollah operative” who had been “directing Hamas members and helping them attempt a serious attack” targeting Israeli civilians.
“The operative presented a real and immediate threat, leading the IDF and Shin Bet to act to neutralize the threat,” the Israeli military explained.
Lebanese TV channel Al Mayadeen reported that the strike “destroyed” a multi-story residential building, resulting in at least three fatalities and seven injuries. Citing sources, the channel added that “a low-ranking member” of Hezbollah was among those killed.
צה”ל תקף בדאחייה בביירות מחבל חיזבאללה שהכווין פעילי חמאס לבצע “פיגוע חמור”
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Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem denounced the recent Israeli strikes. “This aggression must stop. We cannot let this continue,” AFP quoted him as saying.
ההרס שנגרם בזירת התקיפה בדאחייה בביירות | תיעוד מלבנון
— כאן חדשות (@kann_news)
On Friday, the IDF executed its first major Beirut airstrikes since November 2023. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the attack was in response to Hezbollah rockets fired from Lebanon.
“We will not tolerate any attacks on our communities, not even minor ones,” he warned. “We will strike anywhere in Lebanon against any threat to Israel, and we will ensure the safe return of all those in the north to their homes.”
Hezbollah has been launching rockets and mortars at Israel in retaliation for the IDF’s operation against Hamas in Gaza. In September 2024, Israel intensified its airstrikes in the Lebanese capital, killing several high-ranking Hezbollah figures, including the group’s long-serving leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
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