Israel Claims It Attacked Beirut in Strikes Targeting Senior Hezbollah Leader
Israeli forces struck the Lebanese capital of Beirut as a retaliation for Hezbollah’s attack on a soccer field that resulted in the deaths of 12 youths. The Israel Defense Forces targeted the Hezbollah commander responsible for the rocket attack that killed Israeli children and teens.
The strike took place on July 30, hitting the Hezbollah stronghold of Haret Hreik in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Following the soccer field attack on July 27, Israel and Hezbollah have engaged in a series of rocket and air strikes along the border.
The United States has advised Israel to contain its retaliation to prevent further escalation and specifically urged them not to target Beirut or the Hezbollah strongholds outside the city.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who returned from a visit to the United States on July 28, received approval from his cabinet to determine the method and timing of the retaliation. During a memorial for the victims, he promised a “severe” response.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant described Hezbollah’s attack as the most severe since Hamas’s massacre on October 7, calling it an escalation. Hezbollah, a terrorist group supported by Iran and controlling southern Lebanon, has been targeting northern Israel in solidarity with Hamas since October 8, prompting Israel to respond with cross-border strikes.
This story is still developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
