by Ali Hassan
The strike on Dahieh, Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut, targeted a senior commander from the group’s elite Radwan Force, according to Israel
Israel has carried out its first air strike on Beirut since agreeing to a ceasefire with Lebanon, further weakening a deal that has so far failed to halt the conflict with Hezbollah.
The attack hit Dahieh, the southern suburb of the Lebanese capital where Hezbollah has its main base of support. Images shared online showed large flames and at least one building heavily damaged after the strike, which took place at about 8pm local time.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had personally approved the operation, claiming the target was a senior commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force. According to local media, members of the unit were holding a meeting when the strike occurred. Hezbollah has not yet issued a response.
The attack marks the first time Dahieh has been hit since US president Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon on 16 April. Despite that deal, both Israel and Hezbollah have continued to carry out attacks, each accusing the other of violating the terms.
Most Israeli strikes since the ceasefire have targeted southern Lebanon. Israel says it is hitting Hezbollah infrastructure and personnel linked to the Iranian-backed militia and political party. Lebanon’s health ministry says more than 120 people have been killed across the country in the past week alone, including women and children. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
The Israeli military also continues to occupy a strip of Lebanese territory along the border. Israeli officials say the aim is to create a security zone free of Hezbollah fighters in order to protect communities in northern Israel.
In parts of southern Lebanon, entire villages have been destroyed. Rights groups have compared some of the tactics to those used by Israel in Gaza and warned that certain actions could amount to war crimes.
Hezbollah, for its part, has continued to attack Israeli forces in Lebanon and northern Israel using rockets and drones. Last week, an Israeli defence ministry contractor was killed by a drone while operating an excavator in southern Lebanon.
The group was not directly involved in the ceasefire negotiations, but had initially suggested it would respect the agreement if Israel did the same.
Dahieh, once one of Beirut’s busiest and most densely populated districts, has remained largely empty since the ceasefire. Many residents have avoided returning home, fearing further Israeli attacks.
Netanyahu said the commander targeted in the strike had been responsible for attacks on Israeli communities and soldiers. “No terrorist is immune,” he said. “Israel’s long arm will reach every enemy and murderer.”
Diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon, backed by the United States, are continuing, although mostly at ambassadorial level. Lebanese president Joseph Aoun has rejected the prospect of meeting Netanyahu in the near future.
According to Lebanon’s health ministry, more than 2,700 people have been killed in the country since 2 March. Israel says 16 of its soldiers and one civilian have been killed in southern Lebanon, while two civilians have died in northern Israel.
The Beirut strike now raises new questions over whether the ceasefire can survive. Far from ending the confrontation, the agreement appears to have become another front in a conflict still being fought by air strikes, drones, rockets and political threats.
(Associated Medias) – all rights reserved
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