Israel Launches Air Strike in Beirut Targeting Hezbollah Leader

Israel has conducted an air strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut, marking its first such operation in months. This strike specifically targeted a senior figure within the militant group Hezbollah, despite an existing ceasefire.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the operation was aimed at Hezbollah's chief of staff. Reports from Israeli media have identified this individual as Ali Tabtai, who is described as a high-ranking member within the organisation.

According to Lebanon's health ministry, the air strike resulted in the deaths of at least five individuals, with 28 others reported injured. The attack struck an apartment building in the densely populated Dahieh district of the city. It remains unclear whether Tabtai was among those killed in the strike.

Hezbollah confirmed that the air strike targeted a senior commander but did not reveal their identity. This attack comes amidst an intensified Israeli campaign against individuals and targets purportedly linked to Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim group that receives support from Iran. This escalation occurs despite a ceasefire that was facilitated by the United States and France, which took effect in November of the previous year.

Israeli officials have expressed concerns that Hezbollah is actively working to enhance its military capabilities. They allege that the group is involved in smuggling weapons into Lebanon and is increasing its production of explosive drones as a substitute for traditional rockets and missiles. There are rising fears that this situation may lead to a further escalation of hostilities in the region.

Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun has called upon the international community to exert pressure on Israel, which continues to occupy several areas in southern Lebanon. He has characterised the Israeli actions as a violation of the agreement that ended a protracted conflict lasting 13 months.

The Lebanese government has reiterated its commitment to disarm Hezbollah; however, the group has firmly rejected any discussions regarding its armament until Israel ceases its attacks, withdraws completely from Lebanese territory, and releases Lebanese prisoners.

A Western diplomatic official, who requested anonymity, informed the BBC that Lebanese authorities are facing pressures from the Trump administration, which is reportedly becoming increasingly frustrated with what they perceive as a lack of progress against Hezbollah. The group is classified as a terrorist organisation by several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom.

The recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah escalated following rocket fire from the Lebanese group directed at Israeli positions, occurring just a day after the Hamas attacks on 7 October 2023. Hezbollah stated that its actions were in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza during this period.

Lebanese authorities have reported that Israeli attacks have resulted in approximately 4,000 fatalities in Lebanon, many of whom were civilians, and have displaced over 1.2 million residents. In contrast, Israeli officials have stated that the hostilities have led to the deaths of more than 80 soldiers and 47 civilians in Israel.

The United States government had previously imposed sanctions on Ali Tabtai in 2016, designating him as a terrorist. The US has also placed a reward of $5 million (£3.8 million) for information leading to his capture.