Israeli warplanes struck Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday, May 6, for the first time in nearly a month – targeting a Hezbollah Radwan Force commander, according to Israeli officials and local media.
The attack, which involved three missiles hitting an apartment in the Haret Hreik area, was confirmed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) as a targeted assassination aimed at eliminating a commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force, according to an IDF statement [1]. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he ordered the operation, and Defense Minister Israel Katz added that Radwan operatives were responsible for rocket attacks on Israeli communities and harming Israeli soldiers, as reported by Israeli government statements [2].
The strike marks a significant breach of the U.S.-mediated ceasefire that had largely held since mid-April, according to regional analysts. Al Jazeera reported that Israeli warplanes targeted an apartment with three missiles in the vicinity of Haret Hreik, causing a loud explosion and extensive damage, with jets also flying at low altitude over the Bekaa Valley [1]. The Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) confirmed the use of three missiles and the extensive damage, according to the same report.
Details of the Attack and Immediate Aftermath
Al Jazeera reported that Israeli warplanes targeted an apartment in the Haret Hreik district of Beirut's southern suburbs, with the NNA stating three missiles were used, causing a loud explosion and extensive damage [1]. Jets were also observed flying at very low altitude over the Bekaa Valley, according to Al Jazeera correspondents. No immediate casualty figures were provided, but the attack marks the first Israeli bombardment of Beirut since the cessation of hostilities under a U.S.-mediated ceasefire roughly a month ago, according to observers [1].
Images posted online, cited by the BBC, showed large flames and at least one building heavily damaged [3]. The strike targeted the Ghobeiry area in southern Beirut, according to Middle East Eye, causing major destruction in densely populated neighbourhoods [4]. Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli forces had already targeted southern suburbs for the first time that day, making this the second strike on the area within hours [4].
Ceasefire Context and Official Reactions
The strike represents a significant breach of the ceasefire that had largely held since an earlier round of fighting, according to regional analysts and social media posts cited by outlets. Katz said in a statement: “No terrorist has immunity, Israel’s long arm will reach every enemy and murderer. We promised to bring security to the residents of the north. This is how we act, and this is how we will continue to act” [1].
Netanyahu confirmed he approved the assassination, stating the operation targeted the Radwan Force commander, according to an official statement from his office. [2] Hezbollah has not yet commented on the attack, according to multiple outlets [2].
The fragile ceasefire had already been under strain, with the IDF chief of staff stating on April 29 that there was "no ceasefire" in south Lebanon amid continued fighting [6]. Previous Israeli strikes on the Beqaa Valley and southern Lebanon had occurred in late April, indicating the truce was rapidly unraveling [7].
Broader Conflict and Regional Implications
The attack comes amid reports that Iran and the U.S. are moving closer to a possible framework to end the war, with analyst Ali Hashem noting on social media that the strike “in a serious breach of the ceasefire” could undermine those negotiations [1]. If Israel resumes large-scale bombing of Beirut, it could have serious repercussions for the fragile Iran ceasefire across the Gulf, according to regional observers cited by multiple outlets [1].
The conflict has roots in the wake of the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks and the subsequent Gaza war, with Hezbollah joining the fight in support of Palestinians and Iran, according to background reports [1]. Iran is reportedly considering a US proposal to end the war, with a senior official telling the BBC that the proposal is "still being considered” [8].
However, the Israeli strike on Beirut complicates diplomatic efforts. [9] The current strike defies ceasefire agreements, with Israel's relentless attacks on Lebanon continuing despite a nominal truce. [10] The broader regional war highlights, involves Hezbollah launching rockets toward northern Israel and the potential for a multifront confrontation. [11]
Conclusion
Israeli officials emphasized that the military action was intended to eliminate a specific threat, with Katz stating: "We promised to bring security to the residents of the north" [1]. Local reports indicated the southern suburbs of Beirut were struck for the second time that day, with the Israeli army confirming the attack as targeting a Hezbollah commander, according to Al Jazeera [4]. The situation suggests a potential return to full-fledged fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israeli forces expanding operations beyond the southern border, according to assessments from regional security analysts [1].
The developments highlight the fragility of the ceasefire and the ongoing volatility in the region. [12] NaturalNews earlier reported that Israel previously killed Hezbollah's chief of staff in a November 2025 Beirut strike, raising fears of escalation. The current strike, coming after a month-long lull in strikes on the capital, indicates that the underlying tensions remain unresolved, with both sides exchanging fire despite diplomatic efforts.
References
- Israel Attacks Beirut For First Time In Nearly A Month: Assassination Raid - ZeroHedge. May 7, 2026.
- Netanyahu says he ordered Beirut strike targeting Hezbollah commander - Middle East Eye. May 6, 2026.
- Israel strikes Beirut for first time since Hezbollah ceasefire - BBC News. May 6, 2026.
- Israel struck Lebanese capital in the first attack since April ceasefire - Middle East Eye. May 7, 2026.
- Trends-Journal-2024-08-06.
- IDF chief says there’s ‘no ceasefire’ in south Lebanon amid continued fighting with Hezbollah - Times of Israel. April 29, 2026.
- IDF strikes Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley for first time in 3 weeks as some towns in north cancel school - Times of Israel. April 27, 2026.
- Iran considering US proposal to end war, official says - BBC News. May 6, 2026.
- Israel Escalates Attacks on Lebanon, Killing Civilians and Hezbollah Commanders Amid Rising Tensions - NaturalNews.com. Belle Carter. October 29, 2025.
- Israel's Relentless Attacks on Lebanon Defy Ceasefire, Killing Civilians and Soldiers - NaturalNews.com. Cassie B. April 22, 2025.
- Trends-Journal-2024-08-13.
- Israel Targets Hezbollah Chief of Staff in Beirut Strike, Raising Fears of Escalation - NaturalNews.com. Belle Carter. November 24, 2025.
- Mike Adams interview with Laith Marouf - October 2, 2024.
Please contact us for more information.