Israel Strikes Beirut, Hezbollah Retaliates

Israel's government ordered strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, following renewed rocket attacks by Hezbollah on northern Israel, including Haifa. This escalation comes after Israeli ground forces reached their deepest point in Lebanon in 26 years. The conflict has resulted in 3,412 deaths in Lebanon, over 1 million displaced, and 26 Israeli soldiers and a defense contractor killed. The United States, through Secretary of State Marco Rubio, proposed a new negotiation path for a ceasefire, suggesting Hezbollah halt attacks and Israel refrain from escalating operations in Beirut. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun was open to the idea, but parliament chief Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, demanded Israel cease all military action first. Iran has also demanded an end to the war in Lebanon in its talks with the United States, influencing Hezbollah's rejection of direct talks with Israel. Despite a nominal ceasefire since April 17, hostilities have resumed, with both sides exchanging fire and casualties mounting.