Israel has recently carried out a significant strike in southern Beirut, targeting a senior Hezbollah commander. This marks a notable escalation in tensions between Israel and the powerful Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah. The last time Israel struck the Lebanese capital was in January, when it targeted a senior figure from Hamas, a Palestinian militant group with which Israel has been in conflict in Gaza.
The strike in January was precise, targeting an office in a building and causing minimal damage beyond that specific location. In contrast, Tuesday night's attack on the Hezbollah commander represents a more substantial escalation in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah since October 8.
Previous confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah had primarily occurred in areas near the border between Lebanon and Israel. However, the dynamics shifted over the weekend when a rocket attack in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights resulted in the deaths of 12 individuals. Israel and the US attributed the attack to Hezbollah, although the group denied involvement.
Following the Golan Heights incident, Israel had pledged to retaliate against Hezbollah, raising concerns about the potential for a broader conflict. Lebanon's foreign minister warned that an Israeli strike in southern Beirut or at the international airport could lead to war. Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had previously stated that any Israeli attack on the Lebanese capital would trigger a Hezbollah response targeting Tel Aviv.
With Israel's recent strike in southern Beirut, the situation remains tense and unpredictable. Israel has indicated that the Golan Heights attack crossed a red line, prompting speculation about how Hezbollah will interpret and respond to Israel's actions. The region is now left to ponder whether Hezbollah perceives Israel's latest move as a provocation warranting further escalation.
