An Israeli airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Tuesday killed Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Qubaisi, a key figure in the group’s rocket division, along with five others. This attack intensified fears of a full-scale war in the Middle East, especially as Hezbollah has recently faced significant setbacks against Israeli forces.
The airstrike occurred in the Ghobeiry neighborhood and is part of a broader campaign by Israel, which has intensified its military operations against Hezbollah. This shift comes after nearly a year of conflict with Hamas in Gaza, where Israel has been focused on countering threats from its southern border. The health ministry reported initial casualties of six dead and 15 wounded from the latest strike.
Israel’s military has vowed to escalate its attacks on Hezbollah. Military Chief Herzi Halevi stated that “the situation requires continued, intense action in all arenas,” reflecting a determination to exert pressure on Hezbollah amidst ongoing hostilities. According to Lebanese authorities, Israel’s airstrikes have killed at least 558 people, including many civilians, and injured over 1,800 since Monday.
As the violence escalates, the specter of regional war looms large, drawing in not only Israel and Hezbollah but potentially also Iran and the United States. Calls for diplomatic intervention are growing, with UN human rights chief Volker Turk urging influential states to help de-escalate the situation. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed hope for a diplomatic solution that could restore peace.
Despite facing heavy losses, Hezbollah has demonstrated resilience in its long-standing conflict with Israel. The group recently announced its use of a new rocket, the Fadi 3, in attacks against Israeli military positions. Meanwhile, concerns persist about Israel’s intelligence capabilities, especially following a recent incident where Hezbollah’s communication devices were compromised in an explosion.
With both sides seemingly unwilling to back down, the risk of an all-out war in Lebanon and beyond continues to escalate, leaving the region on edge.