Israeli Military Strikes Near Beirut, Saying Hezbollah Was the Target

Earlier Sunday, Israeli forces launched strikes in southern Lebanon, killing a Hezbollah operative and intensifying tensions as top UN official Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert called for restraint to preserve the pause in hostilities. Despite resuming attacks periodically since the truce began, violence near Beirut had paused until recently, with recent escalations raising fears of renewed conflict. Hezbollah, once a major threat after Hamas attacked Gaza in October 2023, continues to pose a significant but weakened presence in Lebanon, signaling its commitment to preserving peace despite ongoing challenges.