Beirut, July 30

Israel carried out a rare strike on Beirut on Tuesday, killing at least one person and raising the stakes in the escalating tensions with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

The Israeli military said the strike targeted the militant commander allegedly behind the death of 12 children and teens in an attack on Golan Heights. Israel has blamed the rocket attack on the Hezbollah militant group, which has denied any role. "Hezbollah crossed a red line," Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant posted on X shortly after Tuesday's strike. A Hezbollah official said an Israeli airstrike hit Hezbollah's stronghold south of Beirut, causing damage to several buildings. It was not clear if any Hezbollah official was hit. — AP