Israel has conducted an air strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, marking the first such action in several months. The strike reportedly targeted Ali Tabtai, identified as a senior official within the militant group Hezbollah, despite an existing ceasefire. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed that the target was a key figure in Hezbollah, known for its ties to Iran.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, the air strike resulted in the deaths of at least five people and left 28 others injured, affecting a densely populated area. Hezbollah acknowledged that the strike was directed at a senior commander but did not reveal their identity.
This attack is part of an intensifying Israeli campaign focused on individuals and assets associated with Hezbollah, which Israel claims is attempting to enhance its military capabilities and produce explosives. Concerns are rising regarding a potential escalation of conflict between the two parties.
Lebanon’s President, Joseph Aoun, has called on the international community to exert pressure on Israel, which maintains control over several locations in southern Lebanon, urging for an end to the strikes and a withdrawal from Lebanese territory. The Lebanese government has expressed a commitment to disarm Hezbollah, yet the group insists discussions on its armament will not occur until Israel halts its attacks and withdraws.
A Western diplomatic source reported that the Trump administration is increasingly impatient with what it perceives as slow progress against Hezbollah, considered a terrorist organization by several countries, including the US and UK.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalated following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, which prompted Hezbollah to launch rockets at Israeli targets in a display of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. As a result of this latest wave of violence, Lebanese authorities claim approximately 4,000 individuals have been killed and 1.2 million displaced, while Israeli casualties include over 80 soldiers and 47 civilians. Additionally, the US government imposed sanctions on Tabtai in 2016, offering a reward for information leading to his capture.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn81j54xjx1o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss