JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Israeli forces carried out a strike in Beirut targeting the commander of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force, the Israeli military said Wednesday, in what officials described as an effort to neutralize a key figure responsible for attacks on Israeli communities and troops.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement confirming the operation, saying the IDF targeted the Radwan commander “in order to neutralize him.” Radwan militants under his leadership were responsible for firing toward Israeli communities and harming IDF soldiers, the statement said.

“No terrorist has immunity — Israel’s long arm will reach every enemy and murderer,” the statement read. “We promised to bring security to the residents of the north — this is how it is done and this is how it will be done.”

Israeli media reported that the commander, identified as Malik Balut, and his deputy were assassinated in the strike. It marked the first known IDF strike in Beirut since early April. Netanyahu personally confirmed the operation.

Israeli officials estimated Balut was killed in the attack. The operation was coordinated and approved by the United States, according to reports from Israeli channels.

The Radwan Force is Hezbollah’s special operations unit, tasked with cross-border incursions and assaults on northern Israeli communities.

The strike comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel vowing to continue operations to secure its northern border. Hezbollah has not immediately commented on the reports.