Israel strikes Hezbollah commander in Beirut suburbs, first since ceasefire

RTÉ News reports on Israel's military strike in Beirut's southern suburbs, an area known as a Hezbollah stronghold. The strike targeted a commander of the elite Radwan force, marking a significant escalation as it is the first such attack in Beirut's suburbs since a ceasefire was declared on April 16. Despite the ceasefire, hostilities have persisted in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli military statement emphasized that the targeted operatives were responsible for attacks on Israeli communities and soldiers, underscoring the justification for the strike from their perspective. This action comes amidst ongoing accusations between Israel and Hezbollah regarding ceasefire violations.

Lebanese state media reported separate Israeli airstrikes in the eastern Bekaa valley and southern Lebanon, which resulted in casualties, including civilians. These attacks, some occurring shortly after evacuation warnings were issued by the Israeli army, highlight the volatile situation and the continued exchange of fire across the border. Hezbollah has also announced its own operations targeting Israeli forces in response to alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire.

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Radwan operatives, led by this commander, were responsible for firing at Israeli communities and harming IDF soldiers