Image Credentials: Image Title: Israel Launches First Strike on Beirut Since April Ceasefire. Source: (chatgpt.com) Date: May 2026. Attribution: This image was created using AI-generated imagery (chatgpt.com) by Open Chronicle and does not depict a real-world scene.
By Open Chronicle with Agencies
Israel carried out an airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Wednesday evening, marking the first direct attack on the Lebanese capital since a temporary ceasefire took effect on April 17.
According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, Israeli warplanes struck the Ghobeiry district near Haret Hreik, an area located close to the Allameh gas station in southern Beirut.
The report said three missiles hit a residential apartment building in the vicinity of Haret Hreik, causing significant damage in the densely populated area.
Israel claims Hezbollah commander targeted
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed the strike targeted a senior commander within Hezbollah’s Radwan Force.
In a joint statement carried by Israeli media, the two officials said the Israeli military had acted to eliminate the commander of the unit.
Israeli broadcasters Channels 14 and 15 identified the target as Radwan Force commander Malek Ballout and his deputy.
Meanwhile, Israeli public broadcaster KAN, citing an unnamed Israeli source, reported that the operation had been coordinated with the United States.
There was no immediate response from Hezbollah regarding the reported strike or the claims surrounding the targeted individuals.
Ceasefire under pressure
The strike came despite a ceasefire announced on April 17 and later extended until May 17.
Lebanese and Israeli officials had already held two rounds of talks in Washington during April as part of efforts to prepare for possible future peace negotiations.
A Lebanese official source also confirmed earlier Wednesday that a third round of discussions between Beirut and Tel Aviv is expected to take place next week.
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Israeli security officials had recently discussed taking what it described as “decisive steps” against Hezbollah, including potential operations inside Beirut if strategic opportunities emerged.
The newspaper also claimed that previous strikes on Beirut had been paused at Iran’s request during negotiations involving Tehran and Washington.
Regional tensions remain high
The latest attack occurred at a particularly sensitive moment as diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States continue amid wider regional instability.
Although a ceasefire technically remains in place, Israeli forces have continued carrying out strikes in southern Lebanon while also demolishing homes in multiple villages, according to Lebanese authorities.
Since March 2, Lebanese officials say Israeli operations have killed at least 2,704 people, wounded more than 8,300 others, and displaced over 1.6 million people, roughly one-fifth of Lebanon’s population.
The renewed strike on Beirut is likely to raise concerns about the durability of the ceasefire and the possibility of a broader escalation across the region.