Israel Says Airstrike in Beirut Kills Senior Hezbollah Commander Ali Karaki

The Israeli military said it carried out a precision airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Tuesday, killing Ali Karaki, a senior Hezbollah commander who oversaw the group’s operations in southern Lebanon. The strike marks a significant escalation in the ongoing confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah, which has intensified along the border in recent weeks.

According to the Israeli statement, the operation targeted Karaki in a densely populated area of the Lebanese capital’s southern outskirts, a Hezbollah stronghold. There were no immediate reports of civilian casualties, though local authorities and residents were assessing the aftermath of the attack.

Hezbollah confirmed the death of one of its senior figures and vowed retaliation, raising fears that the conflict could widen further across the region. The exchange comes amid near-daily cross-border fire between the two sides, with both Israel and Hezbollah warning of broader consequences if the fighting continues.

The strike is likely to deepen tensions in Lebanon and increase pressure on diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a larger regional war. Analysts say the killing of a high-ranking commander could prompt a stronger military response from Hezbollah, while also signaling Israel’s willingness to target senior militant leaders beyond the immediate border area.