Israel has launched a strike in Beirut, Lebanon, targeting a Hezbollah commander accused of orchestrating a deadly attack in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. This comes two days after a rocket hit a soccer field in Majdal Shams, a Druze town in the Golan Heights, killing 12 children and injuring 44 others. The strike on Beirut has left at least one person dead and several injured, with the wounded taken to nearby hospitals, according to Lebanon’s state news agency, NNA.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on social media that “Hezbollah crossed the red line,” while Israel’s national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared that “every dog shall have his day.” The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike in a statement, claiming it targeted the Hezbollah commander responsible for the attack in Majdal Shams and other attacks on Israeli civilians. The IDF did not provide specifics on how the strike was conducted.
The rocket attack on Saturday, which resulted in the highest civilian death toll in Israeli-held territory since the Hamas attack on October 7, prompted Israel to vow retaliation. Diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent the situation from escalating into a broader conflict after months of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
Weapons experts informed the Associated Press that the evidence points to a rocket from Lebanon hitting the soccer field, but suggested the civilian casualties might have been unintended. NNA reported that the strike was carried out by a drone firing three missiles.
Shortly after the IDF’s announcement, Hezbollah-run Al Manar TV reported a loud explosion in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold. Reuters footage showed the aftermath of the strike, with emergency responders and bystanders navigating streets filled with rubble and debris. Multiple vehicles were damaged by falling debris from surrounding buildings. CNN obtained video showing large plumes of smoke rising from the strike area.
🇵🇸🇱🇧 A video shows the effects of Israel bombing on beruit #Lebanon pic.twitter.com/nSIcyPJEMj
— Uncensored News (@Uncensorednewsw) July 30, 2024
🚨🇱🇧📹Beruit Footage from the street level. No reports of casualties yet. pic.twitter.com/Itnyrr0DM9
— 🇵🇸🇮🇪🔻☭Long Live James Connolly ✊🏼(he/him) (@tnega74) July 30, 2024
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