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“No terrorist has immunity,” the statement said. ‘Israel’s long arm will reach any enemy and any murderer.’
By United with Israel Staff
The IDF carried out a high-level targeted strike in Beirut on Wednesday evening, marking the first Israeli attack in the Lebanese capital since the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire took effect three weeks ago.
Israeli officials said the strike targeted and eliminated Ahmed Ghaleb Balout, a senior commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, in the Dahieh district of Beirut.
In a joint statement issued immediately after the strike, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the operation was carried out “in order to thwart him,” describing the Radwan unit as responsible for attacks on Israeli communities and harm to IDF soldiers.
“No terrorist has immunity,” the statement said. “Israel’s long arm will reach any enemy and any murderer.”
The IDF confirmed Balout’s elimination Thursday morning, stating that he had served for years in key roles within the Radwan Force, including as its operations commander. In that capacity, he was responsible for the unit’s combat readiness and played a central role in directing attacks against Israeli forces, particularly in southern Lebanon.
According to the military, Balout oversaw dozens of terror plots during the war, including anti-tank missile fire and the deployment of explosive devices against IDF troops.
He was also involved in efforts to rebuild the Radwan Force’s capabilities and advance Hezbollah’s long-standing “Conquer the Galilee” plan, aimed at infiltrating Israeli territory.
The IDF said the Radwan Force operates under Iranian direction and funding, with the objective of targeting Israeli civilians and military personnel. “The IDF will continue to act against threats to Israeli citizens and soldiers, and against attempts by the Radwan Force to rebuild its strength,” the military said.
The strike comes amid continued Israeli operations in southern Lebanon following repeated violations of the ceasefire by Hezbollah, including ongoing rocket and drone launches targeting IDF forces and northern Israeli communities. Israeli officials have said the operations are aimed at removing immediate threats and preventing further attacks.
Since the agreement took effect, the IDF says it has eliminated more than 220 Hezbollah terrorists and commanders who posed threats to Israeli forces and civilians.
Over the past week alone, more than 85 Hezbollah terrorists have been killed in joint operations involving the Israeli Air Force and ground forces.
Among those targeted were senior figures, including Mohammad Ali Bazi, identified as a former intelligence commander in the Nasser Unit, and Hussein Hassan Romani, described as responsible for Hezbollah’s air defense systems.
In addition, the IDF reported striking more than 180 Hezbollah military sites in recent days, including command centers, weapons storage facilities, and launchers prepared for immediate use.
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