Israel conducted an airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, specifically the Dahieh district, marking the first such attack on the Lebanese capital since a ceasefire agreement with the armed group Hezbollah was brokered. The strike targeted a commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, an action personally authorized by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Images circulating online depicted significant flames and substantial damage to at least one building in the area, a known stronghold for Hezbollah.

This latest escalation underscores the fragility of the ceasefire, which was announced by US President Donald Trump on April 16 and intended to halt the conflict between Israel and Lebanon. Despite the agreement, both sides have consistently accused each other of violations and have continued their military operations. Hezbollah, while not a party to the initial ceasefire negotiations, had previously indicated its willingness to observe the deal if Israel upheld its terms.

The conflict has seen most Israeli airstrikes concentrated in southern Lebanon, with the military asserting these operations target Hezbollah infrastructure and operatives. Casualties in Lebanon have been substantial, with the health ministry reporting over 120 public fatalities in the past week alone, and more than 2,700 since early March, without distinguishing between combatants and civilians. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has launched rocket and drone attacks against Israeli troops in Lebanon and northern Israel, including an incident last week that resulted in the death of an Israeli defense ministry contractor. Israel has also reported casualties, including 16 soldiers and three civilians.

Further complicating the situation, the Israeli military maintains control over a strip of Lebanese territory along the border, aiming to establish a “Hezbollah-free security zone” to safeguard its northern communities. This has led to the destruction of entire villages in these areas, actions that human rights organizations suggest could constitute war crimes. The Dahieh district, once a bustling urban center, has largely been deserted by residents fearing further Israeli strikes. Diplomatic efforts, supported by the US, are ongoing at the ambassadorial level, though Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has reportedly declined a near-term meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu.