Israel claims it killed senior Hezbollah commander in strike on Beirut
Check out: Disorder and destruction in suburb of Beirut following explosion
Israel claims it has eliminated a high-ranking leader of Hezbollah through a targeted attack in a southern neighborhood of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon.
One person lost their life and several others were injured in the blast that occurred in Dahiyeh, a neighborhood known for its strong presence of the Lebanese armed group.
The Israeli military stated that Fuad Shukr was the focus of a targeted attack carried out by fighter jets based on intelligence information.
Authorities claim that he was the one behind a rocket strike on the Golan Heights, which resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals, predominantly children, last Saturday. Hezbollah has refuted any connection to the assault.
The Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, strongly criticized the "obvious Israeli attack".
He called it a "crime" in a "string of forceful attacks that resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians, clearly breaking international laws."
In a short message on social networking sites following the incident, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Hezbollah had gone too far.
It is still uncertain if Fuad Shukr lost his life in the assault. Security sources in Beirut mention that the person they were aiming for was not present in the structure. Hezbollah has not released any statements yet.
A representative from Israel has told CBS News, a news outlet in the US that partners with the BBC, that Israel informed the US before carrying out the strike in Beirut.
Trouble and destruction in Beirut following Israeli aerial attack
Fuad Shukr is thought to be a top consultant to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, as stated by the US in the past.
They have been providing a $5 million (3.9 million) reward for anyone who has information about him, claiming that he was also heavily involved in the 1983 bombing of a US Marines barracks in Beirut, where 241 US military personnel lost their lives.
Haret Hreik, the neighborhood in Dahiyeh that was targeted in the air attack, is crowded with people and heavily protected. Hezbollah has set up checkpoints around Dahiyeh.
In a statement following the Israeli attack, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre informed journalists that President Joe Biden is hopeful that a broader conflict between Israel and Hezbollah can be prevented.
"We hope to avoid an increase in hostilities and a full-scale conflict," she stated.
Earlier today, two Israeli officials who were not identified spoke to Reuters news agency. They said that Israel wanted to weaken Hezbollah, but they did not want Lebanon to be involved in a full-scale war.
The IDF stated that there are no new guidelines for Israelis regarding seeking shelter, indicating that they do not expect a quick or major response from Hezbollah.
Both parties understand the potential consequences of engaging in a full-scale war, as it may result in Iran supporting their ally in Lebanon.
The protest caused destruction to buildings in the densely populated area of Dahieyh
Many people thought Israel would respond to the attack that happened in the Golan Heights by giving a strong reaction. The security cabinet of Israel gave permission for Prime Minister Netanyahu and his colleague Mr. Gallant to choose how to fight back.
At least 12 individuals, primarily children, lost their lives when a rocket struck a soccer field in Majdal Shams on Saturday.
Israel is accusing Hezbollah, but the group is denying any responsibility.
This was the most fatal event that has occurred near the border between Israel and Lebanon since tensions between Israel and Hezbollah intensified in October.
The increase in tensions followed Hamas' assault on Israel on 7 October.
Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has started a small additional conflict in the northern part of Israel, causing both sides to continue firing at each other.
In the past few days, global leaders have been calling for caution due to concerns about a potential full-scale war.
On Tuesday, the UK's foreign minister advised British citizens currently in Lebanon to depart promptly or face the possibility of getting stuck in a conflict zone.
David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey have traveled to Qatar to push for a resolution to the conflict in Gaza and to urge for peace in the region, according to the Foreign Office.
He mentioned that increasing tensions and causing instability would not benefit anyone. He emphasized the importance of working closely with countries like Qatar, who are important in helping to resolve the conflict in Gaza. Our goal is to stop this destructive war.
