Israeli airstrike in Beirut targets possible top Hezbollah commander, leaves dead and injured

Shafaq News/ An Israeli airstrike early Saturday destroyed a building in Beirut's Basta area, with Israeli media speculating that the target was a high-ranking Hezbollah official, possibly newly-appointed Secretary-General Naim Qassem or senior commanders Talal Hamieh or Mohammed Haidar.

Notably, Kassem, Hamieh, and Haidar are members of Hezbollah’s Jihad Council, the group’s highest decision-making body. The council, composed of eight members led by the secretary-general, also included top commanders Fouad Shukur, Ibrahim Akil, Ali Karaki, and Hashem Safiyidin, all of whom had been killed by Israel. The council is responsible for all military and security decisions within the group.

According to the Lebanese National News Agency, "Beirut woke up to a horrifying massacre, as Israeli warplanes struck Al-Mamoun Street in Basta with at least five missiles, destroying an eight-story residential building and causing significant damage to surrounding structures."

Rescue teams are working to clear the rubble, while the Lebanese Health Ministry reported that the airstrike killed four people and injured 23 others in the area.

Neither Hezbollah nor the Israeli Army confirmed the deaths of Qassem or Hamieh.

Meanwhile, Israel issued evacuation warnings for residents in the Hadath and Shouifat areas of Dahye, following earlier strikes on Ghobeiry and Haret Hreik overnight.

The Lebanese Health Ministry reported on Friday evening that the ongoing Israeli war in Lebanon has killed 3,645 people and injured 15,355 since the conflict began.

This story was updated to include information about Mohammed Haidar and Hezbollah's Jihad Council.