Israel Strikes Beirut for First Time Since Ceasefire
The BBC reported Wednesday that Israel launched an Israel Beirut strike for the first time since a ceasefire was brokered in April, hitting the Lebanese capital’s southern suburbs and targeting a senior militant commander.
Strike Hits Hezbollah Stronghold in Dahieh
The attack landed in Dahieh, a densely populated southern district of Beirut long associated with Hezbollah. Photographs circulating online showed a heavily damaged building and large flames rising from the site. The strike occurred at approximately 20:00 local time. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed he personally approved the operation, saying it targeted a commander within Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force. Local media indicated that unit members had gathered at the location when the strike occurred. Hezbollah had not publicly responded as of Wednesday evening.
Ceasefire That Was Never Fully Observed
US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon on 16 April, but neither side has fully honored its terms. Israel has continued conducting airstrikes across southern Lebanon, citing Hezbollah infrastructure and personnel as targets. The Iranian-backed group has continued launching rockets and drones at Israeli troops and northern Israeli communities. Lebanon’s health ministry says more than 120 people were killed across the country in a single week. The ministry does not separate combatant deaths from civilian casualties.
Also Read: What Is the Radwan Force? Hezbollah’s Elite Unit Explained
Months of Escalation Before the Truce
Prior to the April deal, Israel and Hezbollah fought a prolonged conflict that left Dahieh largely emptied of residents. More than 2,700 people have been killed in Lebanon since early March, according to health ministry figures. Israel has acknowledged 16 soldier deaths and three civilian deaths from the Lebanese theatre of operations. Rights organizations have raised concerns that some Israeli military conduct in Lebanese border villages could constitute war crimes. Israeli forces continue to occupy a strip of southern Lebanon. Officials describe the occupation as a measure to establish a Hezbollah-free security buffer protecting northern Israeli towns.
Also Read: Lebanon’s Displaced Residents Fear Returning Home Despite Ceasefire
Diplomatic Talks Remain Stalled
Netanyahu said in a statement that no member of Hezbollah would be beyond reach. Diplomatic efforts between Israel and Lebanon have continued, but progress has been minimal. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has declined to meet Netanyahu in the near term. Talks have remained largely at the ambassadorial level, with US support playing a facilitating role. The Beirut strike now adds significant new pressure to an already fragile process, with ceasefire observers warning the deal risks complete collapse.
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