Beirut (EFE).- Israel bombed the southern suburbs of Beirut, known as Dahye, on Wednesday in the first attack against the capital’s outskirts since the ceasefire between the two countries took effect about three weeks ago.
According to the National News Agency of Lebanon (ANN), Israeli jets attacked the Ghobeiry neighborhood late in the afternoon, specifically an area near Haret Hreik. The report did not specify the target of the attack or whether there were any casualties.
Despite the cessation of hostilities agreed upon by Lebanon and Israel in mid-April, Israeli forces have continued to attack southern Lebanon daily, demolishing a large number of homes in occupied areas. Some bombing has also occurred in the eastern Bekaa Valley.
However, since the truce took effect on Apr. 16, they had not yet reached the suburbs of Beirut, heavily hit during the conflict.
The ceasefire aims to facilitate in-depth negotiations, but the process currently faces significant obstacles, including Israel’s refusal to withdraw troops from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah’s rejection of talks.
In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Israel Defense Forces attacked Beirut on Wednesday to assassinate the commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan forces.
«The IDF has just struck in Beirut the commander of the Radwan Force in the Hezbollah terror organization to eliminate him,» the text released by his office and the Ministry of Defense detailed.
“No terrorist has immunity, Israel’s long arm will reach every enemy and murderer. We promised to bring security to the residents of the north. This is how we act, and this is how we will continue to act,” the note added.
It is the first attack against the Lebanese capital since the fragile ceasefire between the two countries on Mar. 16.
As of Wednesday, after convening his security cabinet, Netanyahu confirmed the attack. In a video message, he said that he would speak with United States President Donald Trump again that night.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati reiterated on Wednesday that it is too early to propose a high-level meeting with Israel and emphasized that new rounds of dialogue require a prior consolidation of the current ceasefire.EFE
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