Israel says Hezbollah commander killed in Beirut strike as Netanyahu warns ‘no immunity’

Israel said Thursday that a Hezbollah commander was killed in an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, marking the first Israeli strike on the Lebanese capital since a ceasefire was declared last month.

The Israeli military identified the commander as Ahmed Ali Balout, a member of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force. Hezbollah has not confirmed his death or issued an official statement on the strike.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the commander had continued directing attacks against Israeli troops and communities from Beirut.

“He likely read in the press that he had immunity in Beirut. Well, he read it and it is no longer the case,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

“I say to our enemies in the clearest possible way: No terrorist has immunity,” he added.

The strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, increased pressure on the ceasefire announced on April 16 by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Despite the truce, Israel and Hezbollah have continued exchanging attacks in southern Lebanon, where Israel maintains what it describes as a security zone near the border.

The United States is continuing mediation efforts between Israel and Lebanon, with a third round of talks between representatives of both countries expected in Washington later this month.