Israel Strikes Beirut for First Time Since Truce, Targeting Hezbollah Commander

Overview

• The Israeli military hit Beirut’s southern suburbs Wednesday in the first attack on the capital since the April 17 ceasefire took effect.
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strike targeted a Hezbollah elite unit commander in an effort to blunt the group’s leadership.
• AFP, citing sources, reported that a commander was killed during a meeting in an apartment, though Israel did not confirm the death.
• The attack strains the ceasefire as Israel keeps up operations in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah continues fire into Israel.
• Lebanese media said Israeli and Lebanese delegations are expected in Washington around May 14 for a third round of talks on extending the truce.