Israel strikes Beirut’s southern suburbs days after US-supported ceasefire deal

Israel struck Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday, killing two people and wounding 11 in a residential building, according to Lebanon’s state-run news agency. The attack occurred days after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire agreement took effect on April 17, despite Washington’s request to avoid targeting Lebanon’s capital. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated the strikes were retaliation for Hezbollah’s rocket fire into northern Israel, targeting ‘command centers’ in the area. The strike damaged four of seven floors in a residential building, with Lebanese military forces cordoning off the area after discovering an unexploded munition. Iran had previously warned that an attack on Beirut could reignite full-scale conflict across the Middle East, complicating efforts to end the broader Iran-Israel tensions. Hezbollah did not immediately claim responsibility for the rocket fire that prompted the Israeli response. Netanyahu, facing elections later this year, has emphasized Israel’s determination to neutralize Hezbollah as a military threat. A senior U.S. official acknowledged the strike was not unexpected, noting Netanyahu’s long-standing stance on retaliating against Hezbollah attacks. Meanwhile, Hezbollah rejected the U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal, insisting Lebanon end direct talks with Israel and instead align with Iran’s demands for a broader ceasefire in the region. The conflict has disrupted global trade by threatening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for oil and gas, while also raising concerns about food security in vulnerable regions. Israel has conducted multiple strikes in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire began, expanding its ground operations near the border with Lebanon. Despite urgent U.S. diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high as both sides continue military engagements.