Smoke and flames rise above Beirut’s densely packed southern suburbs after a powerful airstrike, with dark clouds covering the skyline and damaged residential buildings visible in the foreground.
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Israel Strikes Beirut for First Time Since Hezbollah Ceasefire

Israel launched an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday evening, marking the first strike on the Lebanese capital since the April 16 ceasefire with Hezbollah. The attack targeted Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold. The strike aimed at a commander from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the commander had directed attacks against Israeli soldiers and border communities. However, Hezbollah did not immediately confirm the commander’s death.

Smoke and flames rise above Beirut’s densely packed southern suburbs after a powerful airstrike, with dark clouds covering the skyline and damaged residential buildings visible in the foreground.

The strike caused heavy damage to at least one building and raised fresh concerns about the fragile ceasefire. Reports said that clashes have continued in southern Lebanon despite the truce, with Hezbollah launching drones and rockets toward Israeli positions in recent weeks. Israel later warned residents to leave several villages north of the Litani River, signaling fears that tensions between Israel and Hezbollah could escalate again.

Israel Targets Senior Hezbollah Commander in Beirut

Israel launched an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday evening, targeting a senior commander from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force. Local media reported that members of the Radwan Force had gathered at the site around 8 p.m. local time before the strike occurred without warning. Videos from the scene showed flames and heavy damage to at least one building.

However, Hezbollah did not immediately confirm the commander’s death or issue a public response. The attack also raised fresh concerns about the fragile ceasefire, as tensions and cross-border clashes have continued in southern Lebanon in recent weeks.

Beirut Strike Rekindles Pressure On Lebanon Talks

The Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs has increased pressure on fragile diplomatic efforts between Lebanon and Israel. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said it was too early for a high-level meeting with Israel and stressed that any future talks must first secure the ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. Lebanon and Israel have continued limited contacts through diplomatic channels. However, Hezbollah still opposes direct political negotiations with Israel, making progress more difficult.

The Beirut airstrike also raised fresh concerns about the stability of the April 16 ceasefire. Israeli officials said the operation responded to recent Hezbollah rocket fire and attacks on Israeli soldiers near the border. More than 2,700 people have been killed in Lebanon since March 2, while Israel said 17 soldiers and two civilians have also died. The latest violence is highlighting the growing risk of a wider regional conflict and the continuing challenges in maintaining the fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah.

Web Resources on Israel strikes Beirut after Hezbollah Ceasefire

1. BBC.com : Israel strikes Beirut for first time since Hezbollah ceasefire.
2. Reuters.com : Israel strikes Beirut for the first time since the ceasefire.
3. CNN.com : Israel strikes southern Beirut for the first time since November ceasefire.

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