Israel carries out additional airstrikes in Beirut's vicinity
After initiating intense aerial assaults, Israel focuses on suspected Hezbollah strongholds located within Lebanon's capital city, Beirut. Israeli military authorities are currently weighing the possibility of striking Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, as they continue to scrutinize the aftermath of the airstrikes. The military's objectives include obliterating Hezbollah's weapon stores, nestled within residential buildings. The explosions could potentially cause structural damage or even collapse of these buildings, according to Daniel Hagari, an army spokesperson.
To ensure the safety of civilians, the army urged some residents, residing near certain buildings used by Hezbollah, to vacate the location beforehand. Designated buildings in the Lebanese neighborhood of Lailaki, used by the Shiite Hezbollah militia, are the focus of the evacuation warning, according to an Israeli military spokesperson, delivered through a statement in Arabic. Residents were advised to maintain a 500-meter distance from these buildings to safeguard their well-being, as numerous inhabitants were reported to have evacuated the area.
Hezbollah Command Center Bombed
Friday afternoon's heavy bombardment in a suburb of Beirut was reportedly targeted at the pro-Iranian Shiite militia's alleged command center, concealed within residential structures. Preliminary media reports indicated that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah may have been the intended victim of the attack, although this remains unconfirmed. The Israeli military's description of the attack on the Hezbollah headquarters as "highly precise" was provided by an Israeli military spokesperson.
An Israeli source, as stated by Axios, is presently investigating whether Nasrallah was harmed in the attack, while Tasnim, the Iranian news agency, maintains that Nasrallah remains unharmed. The extent of potential fatalities arising from the attack remains uncertain at this time.
The Israeli military, in addition, expressed its intention to thwart any weapons shipments intended for Hezbollah, via Beirut's international airport. Israel claims to have ample knowledge of Iranian weapons transfers to Hezbollah, but has vowed to obstruct them. Army spokesperson Daniel Hagari confirmed that air force patrols are now monitoring the area surrounding Beirut airport. Lebanon, in contrast to nearby Syria, has thus far acted responsibly by refraining from allowing weapons transports through their civilian airport, as per the spokesperson's account.
Over 700 Killed in Air Strikes
Since the beginning of the week, Israel has been engaged in a series of massive air raids against Hezbollah within Lebanon. By Monday, the death toll as reported by Lebanese authorities had touched over 700 individuals, with nearly 6,000 civilians sustaining injuries.
In response to Israel's refusal to agree to a truce, Hezbollah elevated its attacks on various locations within Israeli territory. Hezbollah shares a close alliance with Hamas, the radical Islamic Palestinian group active in the Gaza Strip, which triggered the Gaza war with its unparalleled large-scale assault against Israel on October 7.
The Israeli military's intention to hinder any weapon shipments destined for Hezbollah, through Beirut's international airport, is a clear indication of their ongoing militaristic actions. The bombing of Hezbollah's alleged command center on Friday afternoon, which reportedly targeted the pro-Iranian Shiite militia's leader Hassan Nasrallah, was a testament to the military's precision and determination.
