Israeli forces conducted an airstrike in Beirut's southern suburbs early Tuesday, killing Hassan Ali Mahmoud Bdeir, identified by Israeli authorities as a joint operative of Lebanon's Hezbollah and Iran's Quds Force. The strike marks Israel's second reported breach of a November 2024 ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah, reigniting regional security concerns.
In a rare joint statement, Israel's military, Mossad, and Shin Bet described Bdeir as a key figure in Unit 3900 – Hezbollah's clandestine operations division – and accused him of coordinating an "imminent terror attack" against Israeli civilians through collaboration with Hamas in Gaza. The Lebanese Health Ministry confirmed three fatalities and seven injuries from the pre-dawn strike in the Sfeir area.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attack as an escalation of "hostile actions," urging heightened international support to protect Lebanon's sovereignty. The incident follows months of fragile stability after the 2024 truce ended cross-border clashes that began during the Gaza conflict.
Analysts note continued Israeli military activity along Lebanon's border despite the ceasefire, including retained control of five strategic border positions beyond the February 18 withdrawal deadline. This development raises questions about long-term stability in one of Asia's most volatile flashpoints.
