Israel Kills Hezbollah Commander in Beirut Airstrike Amid Escalating Conflict

An Israeli airstrike in Beirut's Dahiyeh neighborhood killed Ibrahim Aqil, Hezbollah's head of operations and acting leader of the Radwan Force. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported nine deaths and 59 injuries in the attack, which targeted a Hezbollah stronghold. Aqil was involved in past attacks, including the 1983 U.S. Marine barracks bombing. Following the strike, Hezbollah retaliated by firing rockets into northern Israel, intensifying regional tensions.

Meanwhile, Israel submitted an objection to the International Criminal Court, contesting its jurisdiction over issuing arrest warrants for Israeli officials. As the conflict drags on, U.S. officials express pessimism about reaching a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas before President Biden's term ends, citing disagreements over prisoner exchanges and continued violence involving Hezbollah.