Israel carried out an airstrike on Beirut on Sunday, marking the first such attack on the Lebanese capital in almost a month, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirming the operation targeted a senior Hezbollah commander.

According to Israeli officials, the strike was aimed at the chief of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force, the organization's specialized unit responsible for potential ground operations against Israel. The Radwan Force has been a primary concern for Israeli security officials due to its training and preparation for cross-border infiltration scenarios.

The attack represents a significant escalation after a period of relative calm in Israeli operations against targets in the Lebanese capital. The nearly month-long pause had raised questions about whether Israel was adjusting its approach to strikes in Beirut, particularly in densely populated areas of the city.

Neither Netanyahu nor Katz provided immediate details about casualties or the outcome of the operation during their initial statements. Lebanese authorities have not yet released official information regarding damage or injuries resulting from the strike.

The targeting of high-ranking Hezbollah military officials has been a consistent element of Israel's strategy in its ongoing conflict with the Iranian-backed militant organization. The Radwan Force, named after Imad Mughniyeh's nom de guerre, represents one of Hezbollah's most capable and threatening units from Israel's perspective.

The strike comes amid ongoing tensions along Israel's northern border, where the Israeli military has maintained a heightened state of alert. Cross-border exchanges between Israeli forces and Hezbollah have occurred intermittently, though the intensity has varied over recent months.

International observers have been closely monitoring the situation along the Israel-Lebanon border, with concerns that escalation could lead to a broader regional conflict. The strike on Beirut is likely to draw diplomatic attention and potential calls for restraint from the international community.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified over the past year, with Israel conducting numerous operations against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon while the militant group has launched attacks into Israeli territory. The situation has resulted in displacement of civilians on both sides of the border and raised fears of a full-scale war.