An Israeli airstrike in Beirut has reportedly killed a senior Hezbollah commander along with several others, according to Lebanese officials and sources within the group, as Israel steps up attacks targeting its leadership.
Sources identified the commander as Youssef Hashem, who was said to oversee the group’s military activities in Iraq. He was reportedly killed on Wednesday, April 1, during a meeting in the Lebanese capital. Israel’s military described him as a key figure linked to operations in southern Lebanon.
Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed that at least seven people died in the strike. Hezbollah also announced the death of another member, Mohammad Baqir al-Naboulsi, following the attack in the Jnah area.
A source close to the group described Hashem as the most senior figure targeted since the conflict began. The strike caused powerful explosions across the city, with smoke rising over the densely populated district.
Residents reported hearing loud blasts overnight, as uncertainty spread across affected neighbourhoods, where many displaced people have already been seeking shelter.
The escalation comes amid a broader regional conflict that intensified after Hezbollah launched rockets toward Israel earlier in March, prompting sustained Israeli air and ground operations across Lebanon.
In a separate incident, another Israeli strike hit a vehicle in Khaldeh, south of Beirut, killing two people and injuring three others. Additional air raids and artillery fire were also reported in multiple areas, including near Beirut’s southern suburbs and parts of southern and eastern Lebanon.
Israeli officials have signalled intentions to push further into border areas, aiming to create what they describe as a buffer zone. Meanwhile, Lebanese authorities have criticised the move, and international leaders, including Mark Carney, have raised concerns over the development.
The Lebanese Army said it has begun repositioning troops in response to the situation, with some units withdrawing from high-risk areas due to fears of direct confrontation.
Clashes have also intensified in southern towns, where Hezbollah fighters claim to be engaging Israeli forces. Cross-border rocket fire has triggered sirens in northern Israel, as both sides continue to exchange attacks.
According to Lebanese authorities, the ongoing conflict has resulted in over 1,200 deaths and displaced more than a million people.
