Tel Aviv [Israel], May 7: The Israeli Air Force has carried out a strike in a suburb of Beirut for the first time since a ceasefire took effect three weeks ago, targeting a commander of Hezbollah's Radwan unit, officials said.
In a joint statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said the operation on Wednesday was aimed at "eliminating" the commander.
Israeli Channel 13 reported, citing Israeli sources, that the Radwan commander Malek Balut, his deputy and several other fighters were killed in the strike. According to Israeli officials, the United States was informed ahead of the strike and approved the operation. Northern Israel has been placed on heightened alert in anticipation of possible escalation.
Despite an official ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, cross-border violence has continued on a near-daily basis.
Source: Qatar Tribune
