An Israeli airstrike in Beirut on Tuesday resulted in the death of a senior Hezbollah commander as cross-border rocket attacks intensified, raising fears of a full-scale war in the Middle East. The Israeli military confirmed that the airstrike killed Ibrahim Qubaisi, identified as the commander of Hezbollah’s missile and rocket force. Security sources in Lebanon described him as a key figure within the Iran-backed group’s rocket division.
This airstrike represents another setback for Hezbollah, which has faced a series of challenges from Israel over the past week. Following the attack, Israel announced it would conduct “extensive strikes” on Hezbollah targets.
The pressure on Hezbollah is contributing to fears that nearly a year of ongoing conflict could escalate, destabilising the oil-rich Middle East already affected by the war between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.
As Israel shifts its focus from Gaza to its northern border, Hezbollah has been launching rockets into Israeli territory in solidarity with Hamas, also backed by Iran. The Israeli government has prioritised securing its northern border and facilitating the return of residents displaced by conflict, setting the stage for a prolonged confrontation. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has vowed not to relent until a ceasefire is reached in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would persist in targeting Hezbollah and urged Lebanese citizens to distance themselves from the influence of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. “Anyone who has a missile in their living room and a rocket in their garage will not have a home,” Netanyahu said at an undisclosed army base after the military reported finding ammunition in civilian homes.
Israel has accused Hezbollah of concealing its weapons in residential areas, claims the Lebanese group has denied.
Mounting death toll
Israel struck the Hezbollah-controlled area of Beirut for the second consecutive day, intensifying its airstrikes on targets throughout Lebanon. The Lebanese health ministry reported at least six fatalities and 15 injuries when a building in the Ghobeiry neighbourhood was hit.
Hezbollah responded by firing approximately 50 rockets at the Dado military base in northern Israel and other targets. Sirens were activated in the northern city of Safed and surrounding areas, although the Israeli military did not confirm if the base was struck.
Lebanese authorities reported that 558 individuals, including 50 children and 94 women, died in airstrikes on Monday, with an additional 1,835 people wounded. Environment Minister Nasser Yassin indicated that around 27,000 people have been displaced during Israel’s bombing campaign.
“We felt as if we were in a very difficult war,” remarked Rima Ali Chahine, 50, at a makeshift shelter for displaced individuals at a Beirut college. “Families have been stuck on the roads for 15 to 16 hours.”
The rising casualty figures and the intensity of attacks from Israel, the most advanced military in the Middle East, have spread panic in Lebanon while also igniting a spirit of defiance among those recalling the devastating 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. “We are waiting for victory, God willing, because as long as we have a neighbour like Israel, we can’t sleep safely,” said Beirut resident Hassan Omar.
CALLS FOR DIPLOMACY
As the conflict escalates, calls for diplomatic intervention are increasing. UN human rights chief Volker Turk has urged all influential states and actors to prevent further escalation in Lebanon. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated, “Lebanon is on the brink. The people of Lebanon, Israel, and the world cannot afford for Lebanon to become another Gaza.”
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan expressed belief in the possibility of finding a path toward de-escalation and a diplomatic resolution.
The fighting has raised concerns that the United States, a close ally of Israel, and regional power Iran—whose proxies include Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthis, and armed groups in Iraq—could become embroiled in a broader conflict.
Hezbollah faced significant losses last week when thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by its members malfunctioned in a security breach attributed to Israel. Israel has a history of sophisticated operations on foreign soil, though it has not confirmed or denied responsibility for this incident.
Israel’s intelligence capabilities have given it a distinct advantage in both Lebanon and Gaza, enabling it to track down and eliminate top commanders from Hezbollah and Hamas. However, Hezbollah has demonstrated resilience over decades of hostilities with Israel. Founded by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982 to counter an Israeli invasion, Hezbollah is seen as a more formidable adversary than Hamas.
In a recent message on Telegram, Hezbollah announced it used a new rocket, the Fadi 3, to attack an Israeli army base. Additionally, its media office reported that Israel was dropping leaflets containing a “very dangerous” barcode in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley, warning that scanning the code would compromise any device.
The Israeli military has not provided immediate comment on these developments.
(With inputs from Associated Press)