In a video statement released by his office, Netanyahu said Israeli forces had “eliminated” the commander of Hezbollah’s Radwan force in the Lebanese capital the previous night, referring to the armed group’s elite military unit.“Anyone who threatens the State of Israel will die because of his actions,” Netanyahu said, reiterating Israel’s position that it would continue targeting militant leaders it considers security threats.

The strike in central Beirut marked another escalation despite an existing ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Lebanon, and came ahead of a new round of U.S.-mediated talks scheduled in Washington next week.Hezbollah has not immediately issued detailed public comment on Netanyahu’s statement.

Israel has continued airstrikes in Lebanon in recent weeks, saying it is targeting Hezbollah infrastructure and commanders linked to attacks against Israeli territory.The Radwan force is regarded as one of Hezbollah’s most prominent combat units and has been central to the group’s operations along the Israel-Lebanon frontier.