An Israeli airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs killed four people, including a senior Hezbollah figure, escalating tensions in the region. Israel identified the target as Hassan Bdeir, a Hezbollah operative linked to Iran’s Quds Force. Officials accused him of assisting Hamas in planning an imminent attack on Israeli civilians.
Targeted Attack in Beirut
The airstrike took place early Tuesday, striking the upper floors of a residential building. Lebanese security sources confirmed that Bdeir was responsible for handling Hezbollah’s Palestinian affairs. The Lebanese health ministry reported that the attack killed four people, including a woman, and injured seven others.
This marks Israel’s second airstrike in Hezbollah-controlled Beirut within five days. The attack further strains an already fragile US-brokered ceasefire, which ended last year’s war between Hezbollah and Israel.
Hezbollah and Lebanon Respond
Hezbollah lawmakers condemned the attack, calling it a serious escalation. Ibrahim Moussawi, a Hezbollah official, urged the Lebanese government to use diplomatic channels to de-escalate tensions.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the strike a “dangerous provocation”, warning that it could lead to wider conflict. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam labeled it a violation of a UN Security Council resolution, which forms the basis of the ceasefire agreement.
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Israel Justifies the Strike
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar defended the attack, calling Bdeir a “real and immediate threat.” He urged Lebanon to take action against terrorist groups operating within its borders.
Israel also accused Hezbollah of maintaining military infrastructure in southern Lebanon, violating the ceasefire terms. Lebanese officials, in turn, argue that Israel has not withdrawn from five strategic positions, prolonging tensions.
U.S. Backs Israel
The U.S. State Department placed blame on Hezbollah, stating that hostilities resumed after rockets were fired from Lebanon. A spokesperson said, “Terrorists launched rockets into Israel from Lebanon, and Israel has the right to defend itself.” Washington has continued to support Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah.
Growing Regional Escalation
The attack comes amid a broader regional crisis, as:
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Israel resumed strikes on Gaza, ending a two-month truce.
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The U.S. launched airstrikes on Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis, aiming to stop their attacks on Red Sea shipping.
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Hezbollah denied involvement in recent rocket attacks on Israel, but tensions remain high.
Ongoing Conflict and Casualties
The Israel-Hezbollah conflict intensified in September, when Israel launched military operations in response to Hezbollah’s support for Hamas. Since then:
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3,768 people have died in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes.
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Over a million Lebanese have been displaced.
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Hezbollah attacks have killed 45 civilians in northern Israel and the Golan Heights.
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Israel lost 73 soldiers in fighting along the Lebanese border and in the Golan Heights.
With hostilities rising, diplomatic efforts will be crucial in preventing further escalation in the Middle East.
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