Israel Targets Hezbollah Official in Beirut

Facts

• The Israeli military said it killed Hezbollah operations commander Ibrahim Aqil in a strike on Friday that reportedly killed at least nine and injured 59. Hezbollah hasn't confirmed Aqil's death.^[1][2]
• Lebanon’s National News Agency said that at least five of those killed were children. Videos from the scene of the attack show rubble and burned-out cars strewn across a busy street in Haret Hreik in Beirut's southern suburbs. A Lebanese official told Reuters the strike occurred near a Hezbollah facility.^[3]
• The Israeli military's spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, said that Aqil and other senior Hezbollah officials were holding a meeting under a residential building before the strike occurred, adding that several other commanders from the group were killed as well.^[4]
• Tensions escalated this week after pagers and hand-held radios used by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday and Wednesday. The attacks killed at least 37 people, including two children, and injured over 3K.^[5]
• Israel then launched one of its most intense rounds of strikes on Lebanon since the war began on Thursday night. On Friday, Hezbollah launched 140 rockets into northern Israel, targeting several military sites.^[6]
• US National Security spokesperson John Kirby said on Friday that the US was not involved in the strike on Beirut. He added that the US believes 'there is still time and space for diplomacy to work.' US Pres. Joe Biden said that those displaced from both sides of the Lebanese border must be able to return home.^[7][8]

Sources: ^[1]BBC News, ^[2]New York Times, ^[3]Guardian, ^[4]Timesofisrael (a), ^[5]Reuters, ^[6]Associated Press, ^[7]Timesofisrael (b) and ^[8]Jerusalem Post.

Narratives

• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by FOX News. Though attacks in Lebanon have been precise, any escalation in the region is counterproductive to cease-fire negotiations and the freeing of Israeli hostages. Israel has a right to defend itself from terrorist threats, but it is paramount that the country's leadership prioritizes de-escalation. The US was not aware of any of the attacks this week and will continue to work with mediators to reach a deal.
• Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by Jerusalem Post. Hezbollah is paying the price for its daily terror attacks on northern Israel. Hezbollah has had several opportunities to make a deal with Israel to de-escalate tensions, yet the group seemingly believed it could continue its attacks on Israel without consequence. Israel is still open to a diplomatic solution, but it is also more than ready to confront Hezbollah.
• Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Middle East Eye. Israel continues to isolate itself internationally due to its genocidal campaign in Gaza and its insidious aggression against Lebanon. As Israeli attacks kill thousands, the US continues to shield Israel from accountability and ensure that it is armed to the teeth. This war will only end when the US ends its support for Israel's genocidal ambitions in Gaza and the wider region.
• Narrative D, as provided by Almayadeen. The attacks against Lebanon are a clear example of Israeli terrorism in the region and its disregard for human life. Hezbollah opened a support front with Israel to stand in solidarity with Gaza, which has faced a genocidal Israeli campaign. Its attacks will end when Israel withdraws from Gaza. Nonetheless, Hezbollah is ready and able to defend Lebanon from Israeli aggression.