Israeli airstrike targets Hezbollah official in Beirut

Israeli forces conducted a second airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs, specifically targeting the Hadath neighborhood, resulting in four deaths including Hezbollah official Hassan Bdeir. The attack, occurring just four days after a previous strike, marks a significant breach of the November 2024 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.

The Israeli Defense Forces justified the operation by claiming Bdeir was collaborating with Hamas to plan imminent attacks against Israel. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar characterized Bdeir as "a real and immediate threat," while the IDF warned it would continue targeting any perceived threats in Lebanese territory.

The strike, which damaged the upper three floors of a residential building, was executed without prior warning, unlike the previous Friday attack. This action followed alleged rocket fire from Lebanon into northern Israel, though Israel maintains its military presence in Lebanon, claiming Hezbollah has failed to retreat northward as per the US-brokered agreement.

Lebanese officials strongly condemned the attack. President Michel Aoun denounced it as a violation of Lebanese sovereignty, while Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim Moussawi described it as "a major and severe aggression" that has dramatically escalated the situation. Both President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam expressed concern over the undermining of regional stability, particularly given ongoing tensions with Hamas in Gaza and Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Hezbollah leadership, while maintaining their commitment to the ceasefire, warned they might consider alternative responses if Israeli aggression continues. The international community remains concerned about the potential for broader conflict, especially given the civilian-dense nature of the targeted areas.