Israel bombs Beirut for first time since ceasefire with Hezbollah, as deadly strikes in Gaza continue
CBSMAR 21
Israeli Strike Kills Hamas Commander in Lebanon
Above: A first responder inspects the site of an Israeli strike on the Lebanese port city of Sidon, which killed a member of the Palestinian militant group Hamas on April 4, 2025. Image copyright: Mahmoud Zayyat/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
The elimination of Hamas commander Farhat was a necessary counter-terrorism operation targeting a terrorist responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers. The precision strike successfully neutralized a significant threat to Israel's security, demonstrating the military's capability to conduct targeted operations against its foes in foreign territory.
Anti-Israel narrative
The Israeli attack on a residential area in Sidon represents a flagrant violation of Lebanese sovereignty and international agreements, resulting in civilian casualties like Farhat's daughter. These strikes only destabilize the region and undermine the cease-fire, threatening to escalate tensions between Lebanon and Israel.