Israel carried out an airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut on May 6, marking its first attack on the Lebanese capital since a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah was reached in April.
Israeli authorities said the strike targeted a commander from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force in the southern outskirts of the city.
In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation, saying it was aimed at a senior militant figure.
Israeli media reported that the commander was killed in the strike, although neither the Israeli military nor Hezbollah immediately confirmed his death.
The ceasefire in Lebanon had been seen as part of wider diplomatic efforts linked to tensions involving Iran and the United States, with Iran previously pushing for an end to Israeli air operations in Lebanon.
Despite the truce, Israel has maintained a military presence in areas south of the Litani River and has continued strikes in southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah has reportedly responded with drone and rocket attacks.
Earlier on the same day, Israel issued evacuation warnings for residents in several villages north of the Litani River, raising concerns of a possible expansion of its military operations.
Talks between Israel and Lebanon have continued but remain limited mainly to diplomatic-level engagements, including discussions involving envoys in Washington.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said it was still too early for any high-level meeting between Lebanon and Israel, stressing that any further negotiations must be based on stabilising the ceasefire first.
He added that Lebanon is not seeking normalisation with Israel, but rather a framework for peace and a timetable for Israeli withdrawal from disputed areas.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also stated that conditions were not yet suitable for direct talks with Israeli leadership, citing ongoing security concerns.
Meanwhile, fighting continues to escalate in southern Lebanon, with reports of casualties on both sides as cross-border attacks persist despite international calls for restraint.
Lebanese health authorities said multiple civilians, including women and an elderly man, were killed in separate Israeli airstrikes in the south, while Israel reported injuries to soldiers from Hezbollah drone and rocket attacks.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths in Lebanon since the latest escalation began, with both sides continuing to trade blame over violations of the fragile ceasefire.
