Israel Strikes Hezbollah Commander in Beirut as Lebanon

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

(Worthy News) – Israel carried out a major airstrike in Beirut on Wednesday night, killing a senior commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force in the first strike on the Lebanese capital since before the ceasefire took effect last month.

The Israeli military confirmed Thursday that Ahmed Ghaleb Balout, a top Radwan Force commander, was killed in the precision strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a stronghold of the Iranian-backed terror organization. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Balout had played a central role in planning attacks against Israeli troops and advancing Hezbollah’s long-standing “Conquer the Galilee” invasion plan targeting northern Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement shortly after the strike, declaring that Israel would continue pursuing Hezbollah leaders involved in attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.

“No terrorist has immunity,” the statement said. “Israel’s long arm will reach every enemy and murderer. We promised to bring security to the residents of the north.”

The IDF said Balout previously served as the Radwan Force’s chief of operations and had directed dozens of attacks against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, including anti-tank missile strikes and explosive attacks during the current conflict.

A source close to Hezbollah confirmed to AFP that a senior Radwan Force operations commander was killed in the strike, though Hezbollah itself had not officially commented as of Thursday morning.

The Beirut strike marked a significant escalation after weeks of fragile ceasefire violations between Israel and Hezbollah. While fighting has continued at a lower intensity since the ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump on April 16, both sides have repeatedly exchanged rocket fire, drone attacks, and airstrikes.

The IDF also announced that two additional Hezbollah commanders were killed in separate strikes Wednesday. They were identified as Muhammad Ali Bazi, Hezbollah’s intelligence chief in the Nasr regional division, and Hussein Hassan Romani, who headed the group’s aerial defense operations.

According to the military, all three commanders were actively involved in planning attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah intensified attacks against Israeli troops in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, launching explosive drones and rockets that wounded seven Israeli soldiers in multiple incidents. One soldier was seriously wounded, while several others sustained moderate and light injuries.

The IDF said Hezbollah also launched drones and rockets toward northern Israeli communities and military positions throughout the day. Israeli air defenses intercepted some of the incoming threats, while other drones exploded near troops operating in southern Lebanon.

In response to the escalating attacks, Israel’s Home Front Command announced it would extend rocket warning times for dozens of communities across the Galilee beginning Thursday afternoon, giving residents additional seconds to seek shelter in the event of incoming fire.

The Israeli military simultaneously launched a broad wave of strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure across southern Lebanon. Evacuation warnings were issued for 12 villages before the strikes began.

Lebanese media reported that one strike in the village of Zellaya hit the home of the town’s mayor, Ali Qassem, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and children. Lebanon’s Health Ministry said four people were killed and five wounded in the attack.

The IDF acknowledged reports of civilian deaths but stated the strike targeted a Hezbollah weapons depot and that precautions were taken to minimize civilian harm through precision munitions and aerial surveillance.

The latest escalation highlights the growing instability along Israel’s northern border despite ongoing U.S.-backed diplomatic efforts to preserve the ceasefire. Hezbollah has strongly opposed Lebanon’s recent negotiations with Israel and has continued launching attacks despite the temporary truce.

The current conflict intensified after Hezbollah joined the regional war following the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign against Iran launched on February 28. Since then, thousands have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in Lebanon, while northern Israeli communities have faced persistent rocket and drone attacks.

The IDF says it has killed more than 1,900 Hezbollah operatives since the fighting began, including hundreds from the Radwan Force, Hezbollah’s elite assault unit originally tasked with infiltrating northern Israel.

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