Against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's announcement of a ceasefire, and reports that Lebanon and Hezbollah were also included in it, the Israeli Air Force struck dozens of targets in Beirut, with more than 300 people reported killed in the attacks. It was the broadest strike in Beirut since the start of Operation "Shaagat HaAri."
In a statement on the strike, the IDF Spokesperson said: "A short while ago, the IDF completed a broad blow against command centers and military infrastructure of the Hezbollah terrorist organization across Beirut, the Beqaa Valley and southern Lebanon.
As part of the blow, the IDF struck intelligence headquarters and central command posts used by the organization's terrorists to direct and plan attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians. In addition, infrastructure belonging to the fire and naval arrays was struck. These units are responsible, among other things, for launching missiles at IDF forces on land and at sea and at Israeli territory, as well as assets belonging to the Radwan Force and Unit 127, the organization's elite units.
The blow was planned over many weeks by the Operations Directorate, the Intelligence Directorate, the Israeli Air Force and Northern Command, with the aim of deepening the damage to Hezbollah.
Most of the infrastructure that was struck was located in the heart of the civilian population, as part of the organization's use of Lebanese civilians as human shields. Prior to the strikes, steps were taken to minimize harm to uninvolved civilians as much as possible.
The IDF said that, in accordance with instructions from the political echelon, the forces held their fire overnight. Air defense systems remain on alert and ready to respond if necessary, and at this stage there is no change in instructions to the public.
At the same time, the fighting in Lebanon is continuing and has not stopped against Hezbollah. The IDF stressed that strikes are continuing from the air and on the ground, alongside close air support for forces operating in the field.
The IDF clarified that most of the targets that were struck were command-and-control sites, including commanders and field commanders responsible for timing operations against troops and the home front. The operation was planned in advance and in detail, and was carried out once conditions had matured.
Under Israel's political leadership's definition, the war on the northern front against Hezbollah is continuing, with a separation maintained between the different fronts.
