Israel Strikes Beirut in Retaliation

Israel has launched a retaliatory airstrike in Beirut, targeting a senior Hezbollah commander blamed for a deadly rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The attack killed 12 children and a civilian.

Lebanon's state-run news agency reported the strike, which occurred in the Haret Hreik neighborhood, a Hezbollah stronghold. Israel has vowed further retaliation if the conflict escalates.

Many countries have urged their citizens to leave Lebanon, and airlines have canceled flights to Beirut. The situation has raised concerns about the potential for a large-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, similar to the conflict in 2006. Diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent further escalation, with the US mediating to limit Israeli targets and avoid civilian casualties.

The White House has downplayed the risk of a broader war and Iran has warned Israel against attacking Lebanon. German foreign policy makers have also called for de-escalation.

The tension between Israel and Hezbollah has been ongoing since the start of the Gaza conflict in October, with intermittent firefights and attempts to avoid escalation.