The Lebanese government has condemned the "blatant act of aggression" following the Israeli airstrikes on southern Beirut. While some reports have claimed US warships are moving closer to Lebanon in the wake of the crisis, the reality is that American warships and military assets were already in the eastern Mediterranean region.
Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) has reported that a female civilian was killed after a building was destroyed in Haret Hreik, in Beirut's sout. "Sixty-eight civilians were injured, five of whom were critically injured, while the rest suffered moderate to minor injuries. Most of them were treated in emergency departments and were discharged from hospitals," NNA said.
More footage has emerged showing the extent of damage.
Currently there are contrasting reports over whether or not Israel took out its target - Fuad Shukr, said to be a commander that oversaw the deadly weekend Hezbollah rocket salvo that left 12 dead in a Golan town.
Two Israeli officials tell me there are growing indications that Hezbollah top military commander Fuad Shukr has been killed in the airstrike in Beirut
Israel's anticipated big 'retaliation' has begun, apparently, after major airstrikes were felt in the Lebanese capital of Beirut. Large smoke clouds were seen above a suburb in southern neighborhoods, sparking momentary panic and a large emergency response amid reported casualties.
An Israeli military statement quickly owned up to the attack: "The IDF targeted in Beirut the commander responsible for the murder of the children in Majdal Shams and killed many Israeli civilians," a translated statement said.
The destruction is large in scale, and took place at around 8pm local time in the Haret Hreik neighborhood, still within daylight hours just before nightfall.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has announced just after the Tuesday Beirut strikes, "Hezbollah crossed the Red Line."
Harrowing footage of the strike aftermath points to large-scale casualties given it is a densely-packed civilian area..
Given already there have long been fears of 'all-out' war in Lebanon, oil jumped on news of the attack.
Bloomberg's live blog has cited Rosalind Mathieson, the outlet's news director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, who comments:
There are signs Israel was aiming for an action that sent a message without triggering a full blown war with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Netanyahu has also been opening the door to fresh talks for a cease-fire with Hamas on Gaza - and that wouldn’t be possible if Israel is engaged in a ground conflict with Hezbollah.
Several Israeli news outlets reported earlier this week that the government was seeking a “limited but significant” action that sends a strong message to Hezbollah but ensures the situation doesn’t spiral out of control.
More footage showing the large scale of the aerial bombing...
Lebanon raises toll in Beirut strike to 3 dead, 74 wounded
IDF kills top Hezbollah commander in Beirut in response to deadly Majdal Shams attack
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