This is how close Israeli airstrikes were to heart of Beirut

Israeli airstrikes hit Ras el-Nabaa, a non-Hezbollah neighborhood in central Beirut, with two strikes reported. Smoke billowed from buildings in this densely populated area, affecting both Ras el-Nabaa and the nearby al-Basta neighborhood.

According to Health Ministry of Lebanon at least 22 dead and 117 injured as a result of the strikes.

But this airstrike was somewhat different from the others. It was carried out in an area of Beirut that is not controlled by Hezbollah, that is controlled by the Lebanese army, and it was carried out in an area that could be called the heart of Beirut, and it was very close to many important areas.

Israel hits unprecedented location

This strike marks the most eastern and central location Israel has ever targeted in Beirut, situated in the city center and far from the southern suburbs which Israel has repeatedly pounded earlier.

Meanwhile, reportedly the French Embassy is located in the immediate vicinity of the site of the strike.

Israeli airstrike targets Ras El Nabaa, a non-Hezbollah neighborhood in central Beirut pic.twitter.com/iwfEGIbNWr— Türkiye Today (@turkiyetodaycom) October 10, 2024

Since October 8, 2023, the Israeli army has engaged in controlled clashes with Hezbollah, launching hundreds of airstrikes on southern Lebanese cities and the Bekaa and Baalbek regions since September 23.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health reports that a total of 2,141 people have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict, including 104 children and 194 women.

Safa reportedly targeted in Israeli strikes

The source, who requested anonymity, stated that Safa was the primary target of the airstrikes, marking a shift in Israel’s approach to Hezbollah by targeting political officials. Safa, a close associate of the late Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, has been a key figure in Hezbollah’s operations, particularly in managing the group’s relations with Lebanese security agencies and international entities.

Senior Lebanese armed group Hezbollah figure Wafiq Safa survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Beirut on Thursday, three security sources told Reuters.

Hezbollah cancels press conference amid security concerns

In response to heightened tensions, Hezbollah canceled a scheduled press conference on Friday out of fear of further attacks. Israeli officials have not confirmed whether Safa was specifically targeted in the strikes.

Safa’s role in Hezbollah

Wafiq Safa, born in 1960, has been a member of Hezbollah since 1984. He is the head of the group’s Liaison and Coordination Unit and plays a central role in managing Hezbollah’s political and military activities.

Safa has also been implicated in smuggling operations and facilitating the movement of weapons and drugs through Lebanon’s ports and border crossings.