Lebanon.. An Israeli raid targets a senior Hezbollah leader, and there are conflicting reports about his fate

On the other hand, the Israeli occupation army said that it accurately attacked in Beirut the commander responsible for the killing of children in Majdal Shams.

After the raid, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant said, "Hezbollah crossed the red line."

Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is meeting with senior Israeli army commanders in his office, while the Israeli army declared a state of maximum alert in anticipation of Hezbollah's response.

The Israeli Broadcasting Authority said, "The strike in Beirut represents Israel's response to the Majdal Shams incident. As for Israel, the attack is over and the matter depends on Hezbollah's reaction."

The authority added that the decision regarding the target of the southern suburb attack was taken last Sunday with Netanyahu’s return from Washington, stressing that Israel informed the American administration before carrying out the assassination attempt in Beirut.

Al Jazeera's correspondent reported that the Israeli border towns asked their residents to be careful and listen to the instructions of the home front, noting that the ambulance and rescue teams in northern Israel received instructions to remain on maximum preparedness.

Washington's position

Immediately, the US State Department said: “United States support for Israel’s security is strong and unwavering against Iranian-backed threats, including the Hezbollah threat.”

The US State Department added that it believes that escalation can be avoided and work can continue toward reaching a diplomatic solution.

In turn, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the United States would defend Israel if it was attacked by Hezbollah.

Israeli Army Radio said that it is estimated in Israel that the attack on Beirut will lead to heavy fire from Hezbollah.

Source: Al Jazeera + agencies