Israel Strikes Beirut, Kills Hezbollah Commander; Ceasefire Tested

At least five people have been killed and 28 injured following an Israeli airstrike in the heart of Beirut on Sunday. The target of the operation was identified as Haytham Ali Tabatabai, a senior Hezbollah leader serving as the deputy to Secretary General Naim Qassem. This incident marks a significant escalation, being Israel’s first airstrike on Beirut since early June and occurring despite a prevailing ceasefire. The strike was officially sanctioned by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with support from Defense Minister Israel Katz and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir. Official communications from Netanyahu’s office highlighted the neutralization of a key figure responsible for Hezbollah’s military advancements, reiterating Israel’s strategic determination. Hezbollah representatives have criticized the attack, asserting that the targeted location was a civilian neighborhood. Lebanese officials have noted that the current casualty count may rise as rescue operations progress.