Hezbollah Confirms Israeli Strike Kills Top Commander in Beirut

Hezbollah confirmed an Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed top commander Fouad Shukur, linking him to a recent attack in Golan Heights. The strike, which also killed and injured multiple civilians, marks a significant escalation between Israel and Hezbollah amid ongoing tensions in the region.

The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah confirmed on Wednesday that Israel killed a top commander, Fouad Shukur, following a rare airstrike in Beirut. Shukur is alleged to have been behind a recent rocket attack in the Golan Heights that resulted in the deaths of 12 youths.

The airstrike is part of escalating hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, which have exchanged fire almost daily since October 8, the day after Hamas attacked southern Israel, igniting the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. In a separate overnight strike in Tehran, Israel also reportedly killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

The attack in Beirut, which left five civilians dead and 74 wounded, is seen as a major escalation. Hezbollah official Ali Ammar vowed retaliation, while Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the strike. The Israeli Prime Minister's office released a photo of Benjamin Netanyahu with his national security advisers but made no further statement.

(With inputs from agencies.)