In a significant escalation of tensions, Israel conducted a targeted air strike in Beirut on Sunday, aiming at Hezbollah’s chief of staff. The attack, which occurred in the densely populated Haret Hreik area of Beirut’s southern suburbs, resulted in five fatalities and 28 injuries, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Hezbollah confirmed that a senior commander was targeted, though the Israeli government has not disclosed the identity of the individual. The strike hit the third and fourth floors of a nine-story building, leaving debris scattered across the street and causing significant damage to nearby vehicles. Rescue workers swiftly evacuated a wounded woman on a stretcher, while Lebanese soldiers secured the site. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office stated that the operation was aimed at disrupting Hezbollah’s rearmament efforts, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to acting decisively against threats. Hezbollah officials condemned the attack, labeling it as crossing a ‘new red line.’ This incident marks the first strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs since June 5, when Israel targeted a Hezbollah drone factory. The ongoing conflict has placed Lebanon under increasing pressure to disarm Hezbollah, a demand the group has consistently rejected. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for international intervention to halt Israeli attacks on the country.