Israel Military Targets Hezbollah Headquarters in Beirut, Resulting in Casualties and Destruction

The Israeli military launched an attack on Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut, causing massive explosions that destroyed several buildings. The Lebanese health ministry reported at least two fatalities and numerous injuries. Reports from Israeli media suggested Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was targeted, though this was not confirmed by the Associated Press. The army also refrained from commenting on these reports.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cut short his US visit, returning to Israel before the Sabbath ended, indicating the strike's significance. Netanyahu had earlier addressed the UN, asserting Israel's ongoing campaign against Hezbollah. This stance diminished hopes for a ceasefire backed by international efforts.

Hezbollah's Response and Impact

Hezbollah has been firing rockets into Israel since Hamas attacked on 7 October, claiming support for Palestinians. This has led to daily exchanges of fire between Hezbollah and the Israeli military, displacing thousands on both sides of the border. An Israeli security official anticipates a potential conflict with Hezbollah would be shorter than the current Gaza war due to narrower objectives.

In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes have intensified, killing over 720 people, including women and children. A predawn strike in Chebaa killed nine family members. Meanwhile, in Tyre, civil defence workers retrieved two women's bodies from rubble caused by another strike.

Military Operations and Casualties

Israel has increased its airstrikes in Lebanon this week, aiming to end over 11 months of Hezbollah attacks on its territory. The exact scope of Israel's operation remains unclear, but officials have mentioned a possible ground invasion to push Hezbollah away from the border. Thousands of Israeli troops have been moved toward the border in preparation.

The Israeli military stated it conducted multiple strikes targeting Hezbollah rocket launchers and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. In response, Hezbollah fired rockets toward Tiberias in northern Israel. Despite heavy damage inflicted on Hezbollah's weapons capabilities, their remaining arsenal is unknown.

Hezbollah's Defiance

Hezbollah officials remain defiant despite the strikes. Before Friday evening's explosions, thousands gathered for the funeral of three members killed in earlier strikes. Hussein Fadlallah, a top Hezbollah official in Beirut, declared that no matter how many commanders Israel kills, they have endless experienced fighters ready to continue fighting until Israel halts its offensive in Gaza.

The Pentagon stated that the US had no prior warning of these strikes. The site hit was not publicly known as Hezbollah's main headquarters but is located in a heavily guarded area where the group operates offices and hospitals.

Netanyahu vowed at the UN to continue degrading Hezbollah until Israel achieves its goals. His comments reduced hopes for a US-backed 21-day truce between Israel and Hezbollah for diplomatic solutions. Hezbollah has not responded to this proposal.

The series of blasts occurred around nightfall, reducing six buildings to rubble in Beirut's Haret Hreik neighbourhood. The shock wave was felt 30 km north of Beirut. First responders continued searching through debris hours later while others extinguished fires.

Nasrallah has remained hidden for years, rarely appearing publicly and only delivering speeches via video from undisclosed locations. The location struck Friday evening was not publicly known as Hezbollah's main headquarters but is within their "security quarters" in Haret Hreik.