Shukr was previously sanctioned and designated a terrorist by the U.S. government. During the 1983 bombing 241 American personnel were killed. He also aided Hezbollah forces fighting rebels in Syria, according to the Justice Department notice offering a $5 million reward for information about him.
“Hezbollah crossed the red line,” wrote Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, emphasizing the severity of the attack and Israel’s determination to respond decisively.
Lebanon has been on edge, speculating about Israel’s response following a missile strike on Saturday that hit a football field in Majdal Shams, a Syrian town in the Golan Heights.
Israel blamed Hezbollah for the attack, a charge the Iran-backed faction denied. A day later, Israel’s air force reported hitting seven Hezbollah targets deep in Lebanon.
Targeted Strikes
Tuesday evening’s airstrikes appeared to be more limited but focused, targeting a residential building in Beirut’s Dahieh suburb. Residents near the blast site reported hearing three explosions, and the state-run National News Agency attributed the attack to a drone firing three missiles.
