A rare Israeli airstrike on Friday killed Ibrahim Akil, a senior Hezbollah military official, in a densely populated neighborhood in southern Beirut. Lebanese authorities confirmed that at least 14 people were killed, with dozens more wounded. The airstrike was one of the deadliest attacks on Lebanon’s capital in decades.
Targeting Hezbollah Leadership
The Israeli military announced that the strike, which occurred in Beirut’s southern Dahiya district, targeted Akil and other Hezbollah operatives. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, confirmed that Akil was killed along with 10 other Hezbollah members. Akil was a commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force and served on the group’s top military body, the Jihad Council.
In response to the strike, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated, “We will continue pursuing our enemies in order to defend our citizens, even in Dahiya, in Beirut.” Gallant referred to the airstrike as part of a “new phase of war” between Israel and Hezbollah.
Hezbollah Confirms Loss
Hezbollah confirmed Akil’s death several hours after the attack. In a statement, the militant group called him a “great jihadist leader” who had dedicated his life to their cause. Akil had been involved in high-profile attacks, including the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, which killed over 300 people. The U.S. State Department had placed a $7 million bounty on his capture.
Escalation of Violence in Beirut
The airstrike is the latest escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Just hours before the attack, Hezbollah launched 140 rockets into northern Israel, targeting military sites. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted most of the rockets, with minimal damage reported in Israel.
The attack followed mass explosions earlier in the week, widely attributed to Israel, which destroyed Hezbollah communication devices. Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, had promised revenge for the explosions, which killed at least 37 people and wounded nearly 3,000, including children.
Heavy Casualties in Beirut
Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that the airstrike killed 14 people and wounded 66 others. Nine of the injured remain in serious condition. The strike leveled an apartment building in the Jamous area, a Hezbollah stronghold, where Israeli forces believed Akil and other militants were meeting in the basement.
Local TV footage showed rescuers digging through the rubble, searching for survivors. Rescue operations continued late into Friday night as teams worked to reach the basement of the collapsed building.
Worst Attack Since 2006
Friday’s airstrike is the deadliest attack on Beirut since the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah. The timing of the strike, during rush hour, caused further chaos as residents were heading home from work and school.
At nearby St. Therese Hospital, people lined up to donate blood for the wounded. “We are all together in this situation, so it’s my obligation,” said Hussein Harake, a Beirut resident who volunteered to help.
Israel Vows to Continue Offensive
Israel’s Defense Minister Gallant said he briefed senior military officials after the strike. He vowed that Israel would continue its operations against Hezbollah until the country’s northern communities could safely return to their homes.
Despite the intense exchange of fire, the Israeli military reported no casualties from Hezbollah’s rocket attacks. Most of the rockets targeted Israeli military sites and were intercepted by the Iron Dome system. The few that made it through caused minor fires but little structural damage.
Ongoing Tensions
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah shows no signs of de-escalation. As tensions rise, the risk of a broader war in the region becomes more likely. Both sides have ramped up attacks, with civilians caught in the middle.
For many in Beirut, Friday’s airstrike brought back memories of the 2006 conflict, which left much of Lebanon devastated. With both Israel and Hezbollah vowing to continue their operations, the possibility of another prolonged war looms over the region.