Israeli Airstrike Targets Hezbollah Official in Beirut, Escalating Regional Tensions
By Kardo Roj
BEIRUT, Lebanon (North Press) – The Israeli military launched an airstrike early Tuesday targeting a senior Hezbollah official in the southern suburbs of Beirut, killing at least three people and injuring seven others, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health.
In a statement, the Israeli military said the strike was carried out “under the direction of Shin Bet” and aimed at a Hezbollah member allegedly assisting Hamas in planning attacks against Israeli targets. The name of the targeted individual has not been disclosed.
The strike marks a significant escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, a powerful Lebanese group aligned with Iran. The southern suburbs of Beirut, known as a Hezbollah stronghold, have been the target of Israeli airstrikes in the past, particularly during periods of heightened regional conflict.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack, calling it “a dangerous escalation that violates Lebanon’s sovereignty.” He urged the international community to intervene and “halt Israeli aggression.”
“The continued Israeli attacks necessitate mobilizing our allies and international partners to defend Lebanon’s territorial integrity,” Aoun said in a televised address. He also stressed the importance of preventing any internal destabilization that could provide a pretext for further aggression.
The Israeli military asserted that the operation was preemptive, aimed at neutralizing threats linked to Hamas, which has increased coordination with Hezbollah in recent months. Israeli officials argue that such actions are necessary to prevent attacks on their territory.
Hezbollah has yet to release an official statement regarding the attack, but sources within the group suggested a response is being considered. Previous escalations between Hezbollah and Israel have resulted in retaliatory strikes along the Lebanese-Israeli border, raising concerns about broader conflict in the region.
The airstrike comes amid growing concerns about regional stability, as tensions continue to mount between Israel and various armed groups operating in Lebanon and Syria.