Hezbollah has confirmed the death of high-ranking official Nabil Kaouk in an Israeli strike.
On Sunday, Hezbollah confirmed the death of senior official Nabil Kaouk following an Israeli airstrike, a day after acknowledging the deaths of multiple commanders, including their longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Israel also struck Houthi targets in Yemen in retaliation for recent attacks by the militants, while continuing to target Hezbollah in Lebanon. According to the United Nations, over 211,000 people have now been displaced from southern Lebanon due to the conflict.
Since the Israel-Hamas war began almost a year ago on October 7, Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged near-daily strikes, raising fears of a broader regional war. Here are the latest developments:
Early Monday, an Israeli airstrike reportedly hit central Beirut for the first time in almost a year of the conflict. Witnesses said the strike occurred near the Cola intersection, a major transport hub, hitting a multi-story residential building. Videos from the scene show ambulances and crowds gathering, with one apartment appearing to be the main target. Previously, Israel had mainly struck Beirut’s southern suburbs, where Hezbollah holds a strong presence.
In response to the ongoing violence, President Joe Biden expressed concerns about escalating conflict, stating that an all-out war in the Middle East must be avoided. Biden did not specify when he plans to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but emphasized the importance of de-escalation.
Meanwhile, Iran’s President called for a “decisive response” to the recent Israeli strikes, following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The White House views Nasrallah’s death as a significant blow to Hezbollah, but continues to tread carefully to prevent a wider conflict.
On Sunday, the Israeli army relaxed restrictions in parts of northern Israel, including the Haifa Bay area, despite continued strikes in Lebanon. Schools will now operate if they have accessible shelters, and gatherings are no longer strictly limited, although threats of rocket fire remain.
In Yemen, Israeli strikes on a Houthi-controlled city killed four and injured 33, according to Houthi-run media. This came after the Houthis launched a missile at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, coinciding with Netanyahu’s return from the U.S.
In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes in the south killed at least 24 people, and another 21 died in the northern Baalbek Hermel province. These strikes have caused significant displacement, with nearly 250,000 people seeking shelter across Lebanon.
Finally, Israel’s military confirmed the death of Nabil Kaouk in a strike on Saturday, marking the seventh high-ranking Hezbollah official killed in recent days, including Nasrallah.
