An Israeli airstrike on Beirut early Tuesday killed senior Hezbollah official Hassan Bdair, marking the second such attack on the militant group’s stronghold in just days despite an ongoing ceasefire.
The raid, which struck around 3:30 AM (0030 GMT) during the Eid al-Fitr holiday, left at least four people dead, including a woman, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Bdair, identified as Hezbollah’s deputy head for Palestinian affairs, was reportedly at home with his family when the missile hit. His son was also killed in the strike.
Eyewitnesses described a powerful explosion that reduced the top floors of a multi-story building to rubble. “We couldn’t see each other because of all the dust,” said Ismael Noureddine, a resident living nearby.
Lebanon Condemns ‘Unprovoked’ Attack
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun urged international allies to support the country’s sovereignty, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam denounced the airstrike as a “clear breach” of the ceasefire agreement reached on November 27.
Hezbollah lawmakers warned that the group’s patience was wearing thin. “Everyone in the country, from young to old, has become a target,” said local resident Jamal Badreddine, echoing growing fears of further escalation.
Israel Defends Attack, Cites Terror Plot
The Israeli military justified the strike, stating that Bdair was a key liaison between Hezbollah and Hamas and had been involved in planning an imminent terror attack on Israeli civilians.
“He directed Hamas terrorists and assisted in advancing a major attack,” Israel’s defense ministry said in a statement.
The attack follows Israel’s airstrike on Hezbollah’s southern Beirut stronghold just days earlier, which came in response to rocket fire from Lebanon.
Rising Tensions Despite Ceasefire
Despite the truce, Israeli forces have continued targeting Hezbollah-linked sites across southern and eastern Lebanon, citing security threats. Analysts warn that Hezbollah’s restraint could be tested if the attacks persist.
“Hezbollah’s deterrence is being challenged,” said Nicholas Blanford, a Beirut-based analyst. “If they retaliate, Israel will hit even harder.”
With tensions escalating in Beirut, the region faces a precarious situation that could spiral into wider conflict. The international community, including the United Nations, has urged both sides to exercise restraint to prevent a full-scale war.
