Israel strikes Beirut for first time since Lebanon ceasefire
Israel launched airstrikes in Beirut on Wednesday, marking the first military action since a ceasefire was established with Hezbollah last month. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, announced the operation. Reports indicated that a senior figure from Hezbollah's Radwan force may have been killed, though this has not been confirmed. The ceasefire is critical for ongoing US-Iran negotiations, which hinge on limiting Israeli activities in Lebanon. As tensions rise, Israel warned residents north of the Litani River to evacuate, raising concerns of potential military escalation amid the delicate truce.
Key facts
- Israel struck Beirut on Wednesday for the first time since the Lebanon ceasefire last month.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the action.
- Israeli media reported a commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan force was targeted and killed.
- The strike occurred in Beirut's southern suburbs.
- No immediate confirmation from Israeli military or Hezbollah.
- The ceasefire underpins a broader US-Iran truce.
- Hezbollah responded by firing and launching armed drones towards Israeli soldiers.
- Israel called for evacuation of villages north of the Litani River.
Entities
Institutions
- Hezbollah
- Israeli military
- Radwan force
Locations
- Beirut
- Lebanon
- Litani River
- southern Lebanon
- Israel
- Iran
- United States