Israel Strikes Beirut, Kills Hezbollah Commander, Promises More Airstrikes

BEIRUT − On Tuesday, an Israeli airstrike in Beirut resulted in the death of a prominent Hezbollah commander, escalating tensions and fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East. The Iranian-backed Hezbollah was targeted as both sides engaged in increased cross-border violence.

According to the Israeli military, the airstrike killed Ibrahim Qubaisi, identified as the commander of Hezbollah’s missile and rocket forces. Lebanese security sources confirmed that he was a significant figure within the group’s rocket division.

Following this, the Israeli military announced it conducted extensive airstrikes on numerous Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, targeting weapon storage sites and missile launchers aimed at Israeli territory.

“Hezbollah today is not the same Hezbollah we knew a week ago,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated. He mentioned that the group has faced a series of setbacks concerning its operational capabilities and leadership. Gallant emphasized that the Israeli strikes would persist.

He addressed Israeli troops, asserting, “These are all severe blows,” underscoring the impact of recent military actions.

In Lebanon, Health Minister Firass Abiad reported that since the onset of severe Israeli strikes on Monday, 569 people have been killed and 1,835 injured, including 50 children. This alarming toll highlights the intense nature of the conflict.

Hezbollah retaliated on Tuesday by launching rockets at the Dado military base in northern Israel and targeting the Atlit naval base south of Haifa using drones. The Israeli military confirmed that alarms were activated in the northern city of Safed and surrounding areas, though it did not specify if the bases were successfully hit.

The intensified Israeli operations against Hezbollah have triggered concerns that this could lead to a significant escalation of violence that may destabilize an already tense region. Nearly a year of ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the militant group in Gaza, adds to these worries.

During a speech at the United Nations, President Joe Biden sought to mitigate regional tensions. He stated, “Full-scale war is not in anyone’s interest. Even if the situation has escalated, a diplomatic solution is still possible,” encouraging dialogue among the involved parties.

Israel is now redirecting its military focus from Gaza to the northern border, as Hezbollah has been active in firing rockets into Israel in solidarity with Hamas, which shares Iranian backing. The Israeli government aims to secure its northern boundaries while allowing displaced people to return to their homes, laying the foundation for a prolonged conflict. Hezbollah, however, has indicated it will not relent until a ceasefire in Gaza is achieved.

Meanwhile, Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon expressed openness to proposals aimed at reducing tensions in Lebanon. He indicated that Israel is not looking to initiate a ground invasion, but rather prefers seeking a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reached out to the Lebanese populace, urging them to reject Hezbollah’s leadership. He clarified, “Our war is not with you, our war is with Hezbollah. Nasrallah is leading you to the brink of the abyss,” addressing concerns about Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon.

Israel has accused Hezbollah of concealing weapons in civilian neighborhoods, a claim that the militant group has denied. This situation has led to a second day of airstrikes in Hezbollah-controlled areas of Beirut, with reports indicating that at least six people were killed and 15 wounded from a recent strike on a building in the Ghobeiry neighborhood.

Displacement due to the conflict has surged, with the Lebanese environment minister stating that around 27,000 individuals have been registered as displaced since Israel’s offensive commenced. Many families are described as stranded, enduring long hours on the road amid the ongoing violence.

Residents in Lebanon feel the weight of the conflict, with citizens expressing a blend of resilience and fear. One Beirut resident, Hassan Omar, spoke of historical conflicts, saying, “We are waiting for victory, God willing, because as long as we have a neighbor like Israel, we can’t sleep safely.”

As violence continues, the call for diplomatic solutions is intensifying. UN human rights chief Volker Turk has urged global leaders to intervene to prevent further escalation in Lebanon. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan shared his belief that a path toward de-escalation and diplomacy remains viable despite the current turmoil.

The ongoing fighting raises the possibility of a wider conflict involving the United States, a staunch ally of Israel, and Iran, which supports militia groups like Hezbollah across the region. Reports indicate that Hezbollah recently faced severe losses, with an explosion impacting its members, a situation often attributed to Israeli operations, though Israel has not confirmed its involvement.

Source: USA TODAY