Israeli forces have targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs for the second time on Wednesday, causing a loud explosion and extensive damage.

The Israeli army confirmed the attack and said it was targeting Malek Balou, a commander of Hezbollah’s Radwan Force.

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“Israeli warplanes launched an attack, targeting Ghobeiri” in the southern suburbs, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the attack, saying he and Defence Minister Israel Katz had instructed the army to carry out the attack.

“Radwan terrorists are responsible for shooting at Israeli settlements and harming IDF [Israeli Defence Force] soldiers. No terrorist has immunity – Israel’s long hand will catch every enemy and murderer,” Netanyahu said in a post on Telegram.

“We promised to bring security to the residents of the north – this is how we do and this is how we will do it!,” he added.

This is the first attack on Beirut’s southern predominantly Shia area since a truce in the Israel-Hezbollah war went into force on April 17.

First attack on Beirut after truce

Israel and Hezbollah have been trading accusations of violating the ceasefire agreement in force since April 17.

The former has struck Lebanon’s south and east in regular attacks despite the truce.

An Israeli strike in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley killed four people on Wednesday, while the Israeli army said it struck Hezbollah targets in the south, after warning residents of a dozen towns to evacuate.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for several operations targeting Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, as well as attacks on northern Israel.

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Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed more than 2,700 people since March 2, including dozens since the April 17 ceasefire brokered by Washington between Israeli and Lebanese representatives.

The Israeli military says it has also lost 17 soldiers and a civilian contractor in the fighting.