The Israeli airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut on May 6, 2026. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/OLJ)
Israel carried out its first strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs since the cease-fire, striking an apartment in Haret Hreik on Wednesday night, attempting to target Ahmad Ghaleb Ballout, a commander in Hezbollah’s elite al-Radwan Force.On Thursday, Israeli military spokesperson Ella Waweya claimed Ballout had been killed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented, saying Hezbollah commanders were “not safe in Beirut,” a remark he typically reserves for high-profile killings.Hezbollah did not issue an official statement, but a source within the group confirmed Ballout’s death to AFP.Israeli officials described Ballout as a “valuable target,” though he appears to be a relatively low-profile figure. The Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot reported that he had led the Radwan Force for two years. Dive deeper Why Hezbollah is...
Israel carried out its first strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs since the cease-fire, striking an apartment in Haret Hreik on Wednesday night, attempting to target Ahmad Ghaleb Ballout, a commander in Hezbollah’s elite al-Radwan Force.On Thursday, Israeli military spokesperson Ella Waweya claimed Ballout had been killed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also commented, saying Hezbollah commanders were “not safe in Beirut,” a remark he typically reserves for high-profile killings.Hezbollah did not issue an official statement, but a source within the group confirmed Ballout’s death to AFP.Israeli officials described Ballout as a “valuable target,” though he appears to be a relatively low-profile figure. The Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot reported that he had led the Radwan Force for two years. Dive deeper Why...
