Israel strikes Beirut for first time in months, saying it targeted Hezbollah chief of staff

An Israeli airstrike has struck Lebanon's capital Beirut for the first time in months.

Israel's military said it targeted Hezbollah's chief of staff.

Benjamin Netanyahu's office said: "A short while ago, in the heart of Beirut, the IDF attacked the Hezbollah Chief of Staff, who had been leading the terrorist organisation's build-up and rearmament.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the attack upon the recommendation of the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff.

"Israel is determined to act to achieve its objectives everywhere and at all times."

It did not say whether the chief of staff, Ali Tabtabai, had been killed. Hezbollah has yet to comment.

Smoke could be seen in the busy Haret Hreik neighbourhood, with one video circulated on social media showing dozens of people crowded around the area of the strike, which appeared to be on an apartment building.

Residents told Reuters news agency that they heard the roar of warplanes before the blast.

There was no immediate word on casualties.

It is the first Israeli airstrike on Beirut since June and comes days before Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit Lebanon.

Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon have intensified in recent weeks. Israel says Hezbollah is attempting to rebuild its military capabilities there, which the Lebanese government has denied.

Hezbollah is one of the most heavily armed non-state groups in the world and regarded as an Iranian proxy force.

It is a sworn enemy of Israel and has openly called for the destruction of the "Zionist regime in Palestine".

Israel has accused Hezbollah of trying to rearm since a US-backed ceasefire last year. The militant group says it has abided by requirements for it to end its military presence near the Lebanon-Israel border and for the Lebanese army to deploy there.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the latest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

(c) Sky News 2025: Israel strikes Beirut for first time in months, saying it targeted Hezbollah chief of staff