IDF slays Hezbollah Radwan Force commander in Beirut
The Israel Defense Forces struck Beirut on Wednesday night for the first time in nearly a month, killing the commander of Hezbollah’s Radwan Force, the military said.
The IDF identified him as Ahmed Ali Balout, saying he had commanded dozens of attacks against Israeli troops operating in southern Lebanon, including anti-tank missile attacks and the detonation of explosive devices.
The site of an Israel Defense Forces airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs, May 6, 2026. Photo by AFP via Getty Images
The military said Balout had also led efforts to rebuild the Radwan Force and Hezbollah’s “Conquer the Galilee” plan, which Israel says was designed to infiltrate northern Israel, seize border communities and abduct hostages.
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May 2026
The IDF said the Radwan Force operates under the sponsorship and direction of Iran and is aimed at attacking Israeli soldiers and civilians.
Wednesday night’s strike was carried out on the orders of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.
“No terrorist has immunity. The long arm of Israel will reach every enemy and murderer,” Netanyahu and Katz said in a joint statement.
They added: “We promised to bring security to the residents of the north. This is how we act and this is how we will continue to act.”
The strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, was the first IDF attack in the Lebanese capital since April 8.
Israel said the attack followed continued Hezbollah fire towards Israeli forces and northern communities.
On Wednesday, two IDF soldiers were seriously wounded when Hezbollah suicide drones struck near troops in southern Lebanon. Three other soldiers were lightly injured, according to the military.
The IDF also said it had intercepted an unmanned aerial vehicle launched from Lebanon towards Israeli territory, triggering sirens in Kiryat Shmona, Manara and Margaliot.
The alerts sent about 25,000 people to bomb shelters, according to the IDF Home Front Command.
“Missiles and rocket alerts were activated due to concerns of falling debris from the interceptor,” the military said.
