In a major escalation, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched an airstrike targeting the headquarters of Hezbollah in Beirut, Lebanon, on Friday. The operation has caused widespread concern, especially with reports suggesting that senior commanders were the primary targets. Here are the top updates on the situation:
1. Targeting Senior Hezbollah Commanders
An Israeli official in New York confirmed that the airstrike was aimed at senior commanders of Hezbollah, a powerful Shia Islamist group backed by Iran.
2. Nasrallah’s Fate Uncertain
Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was rumored to be the main target. However, sources close to Nasrallah denied this, claiming the secretary-general is safe. Israeli officials stated that it’s still too early to confirm his fate.
3. U.S. Involvement and Information
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin claimed he had no prior knowledge of the strike, despite being on a call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant while the operation unfolded.
4. President Biden Briefed
President Joe Biden is closely monitoring the situation as tensions rise in the Middle East, receiving regular updates on the developments.
5. IDF Issues Evacuation Orders
The IDF has called for civilians in Beirut’s Dahiya neighborhood, where Hezbollah’s headquarters is located, to evacuate immediately due to ongoing military action.
6. Hezbollah’s Rocket Arsenal
The IDF claims that Hezbollah possesses 150,000 rockets aimed at Israel. However, it emphasized that its conflict is with Hezbollah, not the people of Lebanon.
7. Iran’s Emergency Response
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, called an emergency meeting in response to the strike, raising concerns over potential retaliatory actions.
8. Iran Condemns the Strike
The Iranian embassy in Beirut denounced the attack as a “reprehensible crime” and labeled Israel’s actions as reckless and dangerous.
9. Escalation and Consequences
Iran’s embassy warned that this aggressive move has altered the “rules of the game,” potentially leading to further instability in the region.
10. UN’s Reaction
Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the UN’s top official in Lebanon, expressed concern on social media, noting that the people of Beirut are living in fear as the city continues to tremble under the ongoing conflict.
This latest attack marks a significant escalation in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, raising fears of further violence and retaliation. While global leaders call for calm and diplomacy, the situation remains highly volatile.
