Israeli Airstrike Targets Senior Hezbollah Commander in Beirut

An Israeli airstrike targeted a senior Hezbollah commander in southern Beirut on Friday, marking a significant escalation in hostilities between the two sides and raising concerns of a full-scale war. The strike, which involved an F-35 warplane launching four missiles into the Jamous area of Dahiyeh, hit a residential building, according to Lebanon’s state-run news agency.

The primary target was reportedly Ibrahim Aqil, Hezbollah’s operations commander, although his presence in the building at the time of the strike remains unconfirmed. Aqil, one of the group’s founding members, serves on Hezbollah’s Jihad Council, the highest military body within the organization.

This strike follows a week of deadly explosions involving Hezbollah’s communication devices, which resulted in 32 fatalities and thousands of injuries. Hezbollah has attributed these attacks to Israel, though Israel has not officially commented on the allegations.

The airstrike on Friday is the second such incident targeting a high-ranking Hezbollah commander in southern Beirut since the conflict began last October. In July, a similar strike on a residential building in Dahiyeh resulted in the death of Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah’s top military commander.

Lebanon’s Ministry of Health reported at least three fatalities and 17 injuries from the latest strike, with the toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue in the densely populated neighborhood. Footage circulating on social media depicted burnt-out vehicles and extensive fires, indicating the severity of the strike. Live broadcasts from Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV showed a building with its front facade completely destroyed.

The Beirut strike occurred amid intensifying exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Since Hezbollah began launching rockets at Israel in support of Hamas on October 8, the two sides have been engaged in cross-border hostilities. On Thursday, the Israeli military reported striking around 100 rocket launchers in Lebanon, containing approximately 1,000 barrels intended for immediate use against Israel. This was one of the heaviest rounds of strikes on Lebanon since the conflict began.

On Friday, Hezbollah fired around 140 rockets at Israeli-controlled territory, sparking fires in several areas. No immediate reports of casualties were available.

The escalating conflict underscores the growing tensions in the region, with both sides showing no signs of backing down. The latest strike on Beirut highlights the potential for a full-blown war, as each side continues to engage in retaliatory actions.