Israel’s Airstrike on Hezbollah in Beirut
On Tuesday, Israel launched a precision airstrike targeting a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut. This move came in response to a rocket attack over the weekend that tragically killed a dozen Syrian children and young adults in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Background of the Attack
The escalation began after a missile strike hit a football field in Majdal Shams, a Syrian town in the Golan Heights, on Saturday. Israel swiftly blamed Hezbollah for this attack, a claim the Iran-backed faction denied. In retaliation, Israel’s air force struck seven Hezbollah targets deep within Lebanon.
Tuesday’s Airstrike Details
Tuesday evening’s airstrikes were more targeted compared to previous operations. The Israeli military struck a residential building near a hospital in the Hezbollah-dominated suburb of Dahieh, Beirut. The National News Agency reported that a drone fired three missiles, causing significant damage and casualties.
- Casualties: One woman and two children were killed.
- Injuries: 74 people were wounded, with three in critical condition.
- Damage: The missiles targeted the upper floors of an eight-story building, causing severe damage and scattering debris across the street.
Eyewitness Accounts
The attack’s impact was vividly described by local residents:
- A gas station attendant recounted feeling the ground shake from the explosions.
- Jawad, a 27-year-old architect, described witnessing the missiles landing with almost no interval between them. He pointed to debris from the buildings around the blast site.
Israeli Military’s Justification
Israel’s military claimed responsibility for the strike, asserting it was a targeted operation against Fuad Shukr, also known as Hajj Mohsin. Shukr is described as a senior Hezbollah member and the “right-hand man” to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The U.S. had previously placed a $5 million bounty on Shukr for his involvement in the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Hezbollah had “crossed the red line,” justifying the airstrike as necessary for Israel’s security.
Lebanese and International Reactions
Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and announced plans to file a complaint with the United Nations. Pro-Hezbollah officials have claimed the airstrike failed to achieve its intended objective.
The recent escalation comes amidst heightened tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, particularly following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 and Israel’s subsequent military offensive in Gaza. Hezbollah’s increased rocket attacks along the Israel-Lebanon border have led to almost daily exchanges of fire.
U.S. Diplomatic Efforts
The U.S. is actively working to prevent the hostilities from escalating into a full-scale war. Vice President Kamala Harris reaffirmed support for Israel’s right to self-defence but emphasised the need for a diplomatic solution. U.S. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel reiterated America’s unwavering commitment to Israel’s security and its stance against Iran-backed threats, including Hezbollah.
The Broader Implications
This latest airstrike underscores the fragile state of Middle Eastern geopolitics. As tensions between Hezbollah and Israel continue to escalate, the risk of a broader conflict remains high. The international community’s role in mediating and de-escalating the situation is crucial in preventing further violence.
Conclusion
Israel’s targeted airstrike in Beirut highlights the ongoing volatility in the region. With Hezbollah and Israel entrenched in a cycle of retaliation, the need for effective diplomatic interventions has never been more urgent. As the situation evolves, it’s essential to stay informed about the developments and their implications for regional stability.
