By An Israeli airstrike on Wednesday targeted the municipal headquarters in Nabatieh, a major town in south Lebanon, killing Mayor Ahmed Kahil and at least five others. This attack marks a significant escalation in Israel’s expanding air campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah, raising fears that public officials and buildings, previously spared, may now be at risk.
Lebanon’s Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati strongly condemned the attack, stating it “intentionally targeted a meeting of the municipal council to discuss the city’s service and relief situation.” The strike represents the most significant hit on a Lebanese state building since Israel launched its offensive two weeks ago.
The health ministry confirmed six fatalities, with the interior minister verifying the mayor’s death. Mayor Kahil had previously expressed his commitment to remain in the city despite Israeli evacuation notices issued on October 3 for Nabatieh, a city of tens of thousands.
Israel’s military reported striking dozens of Hezbollah targets in the Nabatieh area, including underground infrastructure. The Israeli navy also conducted operations against targets in southern Lebanon, coordinating with ground troops.
This escalation comes as Israel battles Tehran’s allies on multiple fronts: Hezbollah in south Lebanon and Beirut, and Hamas in Gaza. The Israeli military is also preparing to retaliate for an Iranian missile attack on October 1, following a similar large-scale operation in April.
The strike on Nabatieh occurred despite growing U.S. concerns about rising death tolls and fears of an all-out war in the region. On Tuesday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed concerns to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration regarding recent attacks on Beirut.
Earlier on Wednesday, at least one Israeli airstrike hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, with Reuters witnesses reporting two blasts and plumes of smoke. The Israeli military claimed to have targeted an underground Hezbollah weapons stockpile in the Dahiyeh suburb, stating that steps were taken to mitigate civilian harm.
The conflict has taken a severe toll on Lebanon. The health ministry reports at least 2,350 deaths and nearly 11,000 wounded over the past year, with more than 1.2 million people displaced. The U.N. estimates that a quarter of the country is under evacuation orders. On the Israeli side, around 50 soldiers and civilians have been killed in the same period.
International efforts for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as in Gaza, have faced challenges. Netanyahu’s government has rejected ceasefire calls, vowing to crush Hamas and Hezbollah. The United States continues to support Israel, sending an anti-missile system and troops.
The situation has also impacted U.N. peacekeeping forces in the region. Since Israel’s ground incursion, UNIFIL positions have come under fire, with five peacekeepers injured. Despite Israeli calls for withdrawal, European Union countries contributing to UNIFIL have expressed their intention to maintain their presence.
