Israel strike kills Hezbollah commander

Israel has claimed responsibility for a targeted airstrike in Beirut that killed Malek Ballout, a high-ranking commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan force.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed he personally authorized the operation, marking the first such strike in the Lebanese capital since the April ceasefire began.

The escalation comes amid ongoing hostilities in southern Lebanon that have killed at least five people, including a child.

These military actions have placed significant strain on upcoming peace negotiations between Israel and Lebanon scheduled to take place in Washington next week.