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Israel launches deadly airstrikes on southern Beirut
Israel carried out its first airstrikes on Lebanon's capital since a U.S.-brokered truce last week, targeting two apartment buildings in a Hezbollah stronghold. The attacks killed two people and wounded at least 20, including women and children, according to Lebanon's health ministry.
Netanyahu justifies strikes as retaliation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the strikes hit "terrorist headquarters" in Beirut's Dahieh district, framing them as a response to Hezbollah's rocket fire into Israeli territory. The Israeli military later confirmed intercepting two projectiles launched from Lebanon.
Hezbollah and Iran vow retaliation
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for rocket attacks on Israeli military positions, citing Israeli violations of the ceasefire and strikes on southern Lebanese villages. Iran's parliament spokesperson, Ebrahim Rezaie, warned of a "decisive and painful response" to the Beirut attack.
"The barrages were in response to Israel's violation of the ceasefire," Hezbollah said in a statement.
Ceasefire under strain after Iran's missile strike
The airstrikes followed Iran's missile attack on Israel Sunday night, which Tehran described as retaliation for Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut's suburbs. Israel had previously avoided targeting Beirut due to U.S. pressure over fears of derailing broader peace efforts.
Destruction and civilian impact
Footage on social media showed crowds rushing to assist the wounded after the strikes, which collapsed lower floors of a residential building, scattering debris across the street. Lebanese officials reported four women and four children among the injured.
An Israeli military spokesman posted on X, warning, "To be continued," suggesting further strikes were imminent.
Diplomatic tensions rise
Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah, rejected the U.S.-brokered deal, calling it a "trap" for omitting Israeli withdrawal from occupied southern Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem declared disarming the group would serve "the enemy's objectives."
Background: Lebanon's escalating conflict
The war escalated on March 2 after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike killing Iran's supreme leader. Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground invasion, intensifying in recent weeks despite a nominal ceasefire since April 17.
Sunday's attack marks the third strike on Beirut since the truce, following earlier hits on Hezbollah commanders. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who mediated the June 3 truce, told NBC's Meet the Press he was not linking Lebanon to Iran peace talks, even as violence threatened both tracks.
