The Israeli military conducted an airstrike in Beirut on Sunday, targeting a member of the Iran-aligned Hezbollah group. This strike marks the first time Israel has targeted the Lebanese capital since June. The attack occurred on a main road in the southern suburbs of Beirut, where residents reported hearing the sound of warplanes before the explosion.

Witnesses described a scene of panic as people fled their homes, fearing additional strikes. Medical sources indicated that at least two dozen individuals sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment. There has been no immediate response from Hezbollah or Lebanon’s Health Ministry regarding the incident.

The Israeli military stated that the airstrike aimed at Hezbollah’s chief of staff, although further details were not disclosed. Smoke was visible rising from the Haret Hreik neighborhood, where the strike hit a residential building. Videos shared on social media showed crowds gathering near the site of the explosion.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed his cabinet earlier on Sunday, emphasizing Israel's commitment to combating what he termed "terrorism" on multiple fronts. He stated, "We will continue to do whatever is necessary to prevent Hezbollah from re-establishing its ability to threaten us."

The airstrike comes just days before Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Lebanon, amid escalating tensions in the region. In recent weeks, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have intensified, as Israel and the United States have urged the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah.

The Lebanese military has proposed a plan to disarm the militant group, which the government has approved. However, the Lebanese government has denied Israeli claims that Hezbollah is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities in southern Lebanon. Israel has accused Hezbollah of rearming since a U.S.-backed ceasefire was established last year, while Hezbollah maintains that it has complied with the terms of the ceasefire, which included a reduction of its military presence near the Israeli border.