Hezbollah Official Killed in Israeli Airstrike, Tensions Soar in Middle East
Attack in Beirut's southern suburbs marks the second strike in five days, deepening the regional crisis
- Israeli airstrike targets Hassan Bdeir in Beirut
- Second strike in five days escalates conflict
- Lebanon condemns, Israel defends
An Israeli airstrike early Tuesday in the southern suburbs of Beirut killed four people, including senior Hezbollah figure Hassan Bdeir, further escalating tensions in the region.
The attack, the second in five days, struck the heart of Hezbollah’s stronghold and has raised alarms over the fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed group.
According to the Israeli military, Bdeir, linked to Iran’s Quds Force, was involved in planning a “significant terror attack” targeting Israeli civilians, which the country’s defense officials defended as a necessary response.
Seven others were injured in the strike, which Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed.
Hezbollah lawmaker Ibrahim Moussawi condemned the airstrike as a “major aggression,” calling for immediate diplomatic action to prevent further escalation.
Lebanese leaders, including President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, also denounced the strike, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire terms under UN Resolution 1701.
The U.S. State Department echoed Israel’s justification, blaming Hezbollah for resuming hostilities, which have led to significant loss of life and displacement in Lebanon.
The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of breaching the fragile ceasefire agreement.
