Israeli forces carried out air strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs and multiple areas across southern and eastern Lebanon on Wednesday, as fighting with Hezbollah continued despite a US-mediated ceasefire announced on April 17.
The Israeli military said the strike in Beirut targeted Malek Balou, a commander in Hezbollah’s Radwan Force, while Lebanese media reported loud explosions and extensive damage in the Ghobeiri and Haret Hreik areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the operation, saying he and Defence Minister Israel Katz had instructed the army to carry out the attack.
The strike marked the first attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs since the ceasefire came into effect.
Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes fired three missiles at an apartment building near Haret Hreik while drones reappeared over Beirut after a period of absence.
Israeli attacks also continued across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, with at least 13 people reported killed during the day.
According to Lebanese media reports, two people were killed in Khirbet Selm, while another two were killed in an Israeli strike targeting a car near Tyre.
An attack on the town of al-Saksakieh reportedly killed five civilians and wounded 15 others.
Israeli raids additionally targeted Rashaf, Kfar, al-Mansouri and other towns in southern Lebanon, while artillery shelling involving phosphorus munitions was reported in Yohmor al-Shaqif.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said any future agreement with Israel would require guarantees, accusing Israel of violating the cessation of hostilities despite Hezbollah’s adherence to the deal.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati also said it was “premature” to expect high-level talks with Israel.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for several retaliatory attacks targeting Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and northern Israel.
The group said it achieved a “direct hit” on an Israeli D9 bulldozer in Hula.
Israel’s military later reported that one soldier was “severely injured” in southern Lebanon following an explosive drone strike.
Since fighting resumed on March 2, Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 2,700 people, including dozens since the ceasefire began on April 17.
The Israeli military says 17 soldiers and one civilian contractor have also been killed during the conflict.