A powerful Israeli airstrike struck central Beirut early Saturday, according to security sources, shaking the Lebanese capital as Israel intensified its campaign against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.
The attack in Beirut’s Basta neighborhood left at least four people dead and 23 others injured, as reported by Hezbollah’s al-Manar broadcaster, citing the health ministry. Lebanon’s National News Agency described significant casualties and injuries, noting the destruction of an eight-story building. Footage from Lebanon’s Al Jadeed station revealed one building was completely destroyed, and several others were severely damaged nearby.
The blasts, which occurred around 4 a.m., were reportedly caused by at least four bombs, according to security sources. Reuters witnesses confirmed the explosions.
This marked the fourth Israeli airstrike this week targeting a central area of Beirut. Most of Israel’s strikes have focused on Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs. Last Sunday, an Israeli airstrike killed a Hezbollah media official in Beirut’s Ras al-Nabaa district.
Israel has conducted numerous airstrikes against Hezbollah in Beirut’s southern suburbs, killing several of the group’s leaders. The current offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon began in September, following nearly a year of escalating cross-border hostilities tied to the Gaza conflict. Israel’s military response has included widespread airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon.
The conflict escalated after Hezbollah launched attacks in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas, following Hamas’s assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
A U.S. mediator, Amos Hochstein, visited Lebanon and Israel this week to facilitate a ceasefire. After holding discussions in Beirut on Tuesday and Wednesday, Hochstein reported signs of progress before traveling to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
