Massive explosion

Bombs fly over Beirut after Netanyahu’s UN speech

(Bild: Krone KREATIV/Getty Images/Screenshot)

Shortly after Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, promised further attacks on the Hezbollah militia at the UN, a massive explosion took place in southern Beirut. The Israeli air force apparently bombed the headquarters of the Islamists - where leader Hassan Nasrallah is also said to have been staying.

Israeli military aircraft flew attacks on south Beirut on Friday evening. "Enemy fighter jets flew a series of attacks in the area of the southern suburbs of Beirut," reported the Lebanese news agency NNA. AFP journalists heard strong explosions in the Lebanese capital and shortly afterwards the sirens of rescue vehicles.

Thousands of kilometers away, moments before the attack, Netanyahu vowed to ignore the demanded ceasefire: "We will continue to put pressure on Hezbollah until all our goals are achieved."

Videos show massive strike
The Israeli air force confirmed that it had targeted the Hezbollah command center. The Lebanese Ministry of Health has so far counted two dead and 76 wounded. Videos on social media suggest that it was probably a massive strike. 

The Islamists' headquarters were located under a residential building, according to Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari. The strike was carried out "to protect our population". Netanyahu's far-right government recently promised the Israelis that the conflict would be concentrated in the north. The goal: a safe return to the homes near the Israeli-Lebanese border.

Hezbollah chief killed?
Dense clouds of smoke could be seen over Beirut and, according to journalists, shock waves could be felt in the city. According to the Israeli military, they are investigating whether Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who is said to have been in the headquarters, was hit and eliminated. According to Hezbollah circles, the terrorist leader is "safe and sound".

Addressing the Lebanese people at the UN in New York, Netanyahu said: "We are not at war with you. We are at war with Hezbollah, which has captured your country and is threatening to destroy ours." As long as Hezbollah chooses the path of war, "Israel has no other choice", Netanyahu said. He added that Israel had "every right to remove this threat and return our citizens safely to their homes, and that is exactly what we are doing".

Picture of devastation at the impact site

(Bild: AFP/Ibrahim AMRO)

Massive smoke over Beirut

(Bild: AFP)

Hezbollah is an Iranian-backed militia and a strong political force in Lebanon. Meanwhile, Netanyahu threatened Iran with harsh retaliation: "I have a message for the tyrants in Tehran: if you attack us, we will attack you". The international policy of appeasement towards Iran must come to an end, he said.

Affront to allies
The blow is a political slap in the face for Western powers such as the USA and France, which have been insisting on a temporary ceasefire in recent days in order to force diplomatic talks.