- The IDF claims it has targeted the head of Hezbollah in a series of huge airstrikes in Beirut.
- Hours earlier, Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to keep fighting the militant group in a UN speech – and also warned Iran: “We can strike anywhere.”
Israel said it targeted the headquarters of Hezbollah in southern Beirut – adding the centre is embedded “under residential buildings in the heart of Dahieh”, which is under Hezbollah control.
The neighbourhood is densely populated and two have been reported killed so far, according to the Lebanese health ministry, and another 76 injured.
Israeli military radio claimed the attack targeted Iran-backed Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah – though initial reports from sources close to the militant group and Iran claim he survived.
Reuters news agency is reporting a source close to Hezbollah has said Hassan Nasrallah is alive, following a series of Israeli airstrikes in Beirut.
Israeli military radio had earlier said the army is assessing whether the militant group’s leader was in the headquarters in southern Beirut when it was attacked.
Iran is checking his status, according to a senior Iranian security official cited by Reuters.
Hezbollah’s al Manar television claims four buildings were destroyed in the attack.
Iran’s embassy in Lebanon said Israel’s attack represents a “dangerous game-changing escalation” that will “bring its perpetrator an appropriate punishment.”
The US – a key Israeli ally – was not given any warning of the Israeli strike and its Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart as it was ongoing, the Pentagon said.
The Lebanese army is setting up a security cordon around the US embassy in Lebanon, which is north of Beirut, a security source told Reuters news agency.
Mr Netanyahu is cutting short his trip to New York and is returning to Israel today – which is the Jewish day of rest, as of sunset, known as Shabbat – his office said in a statement.
Hezbollah’s media office has said there’s “no truth to any statement” about the Israeli attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs.
It did not specify what statements it was referring to.
Israel claims it targeted the headquarters of Hezbollah – saying it is embedded in a residential area.
Danny Danon, Israel’s Ambassador to the UN, said he urges Lebanese people to “move out” if they have a weapon in their home.
People inspecting the damage after an Israeli strike in Beirut – Reuters
“I encourage the Lebanese who are watching us, if they have a weapon in the home, a rocket launcher, we are aware of the location of those facilities,” he said.
“They should move out. We know about those launchers, they are hiding in basements, on rooftops. So, they should move out. Get out of those areas.
“We will degrade the capabilities of Hezbollah, and we will make sure they are not able to continue and threaten our communities.”
He added Israel is doing its “best” to minimise civilian casualties and insisted they use “specific weaponry” to target “terrorists”.
“Unfortunately, if the civilians are in the same room with the terrorists, it’s unfortunate,” he said.
“We regret that, but our intention is to minimise civilian casualties and to target those bad guys.”
‘You have to push them out’
Asked if Israel gave any advanced notice to residents in the area of the attack, he said Hezbollah “will not find a place to hide”.
“And let’s call it as it is, we know that Hezbollah is using Lebanon, the launching pad for the terrorist activities,” he said.
“And I think that the responsibility of the Lebanese government is to stop this situation. If you host terrorists in your living room, don’t expect something good to happen.
“You have to push them out. You have to condemn them and tell them ‘do your own thing, but not in my backyard’.
“Unfortunately, it’s not the case today in Lebanon.”
Written with agency reports
