On Friday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they carried out a targeted airstrike on the Hezbollah terror organization's main headquarters in Dahiyeh, a suburb of Beirut. The attack caused considerable chaos, shaking buildings and producing a large cloud of smoke that could be seen rising over the city. The IDF described this strike as a precision hit aimed at a location deliberately constructed beneath residential complexes, deemed the core of Hezbollah's operations.

According to Israeli officials, the United States was informed just moments before the airstrike was executed; however, Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh clarified that the U.S. did not receive prior warning. Singh mentioned that the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, had only spoken with the Israeli defense minister after the operation began. Footage broadcasted by Lebanese media showed the aftermath of the airstrike, capturing the scene of destruction with smoke billowing and debris littering the streets.

In comments following the attack, IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that Israel had been targeted by Hezbollah drones and rockets for nearly a year, justifying the airstrike as a necessary action every sovereign nation would take against a terror organization threatening its existence. The strike coincided with Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech to the U.N. General Assembly, where he reiterated Israel's commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens and declared that they would not tolerate a terrorist force at their borders. He further warned Iran, stating that any aggression would be met with force.

Tensions continued to escalate, with Hezbollah responding by launching rockets into northern Israel, specifically targeting the city of Tiberias after Israel's airstrikes on Lebanese towns. Reports indicated that three people sustained minor injuries from these exchanges. Moreover, U.N. officials revealed the conflict was triggering substantial humanitarian consequences, with over 30,000 individuals reportedly fleeing from Lebanon into Syria amidst ongoing violence. The U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Lebanon characterized the current situation as potentially the deadliest phase the country has faced in a generation, expressing concern that this might only be the beginning of further conflict.