US Vice President

Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee for the upcoming presidential election, expressed support for

Israel

‘s actions following a controversial

airstrike

in southern

Beirut

. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Harris affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself, particularly against

Hezbollah

, which she labeled a terrorist organization.

“Israel has the right to defend itself against a terrorist organization, which is exactly what Hezbollah is,” Harris stated. Her comments came in response to an Israeli airstrike that targeted a Hezbollah commander allegedly responsible for a recent rocket attack in the Golan Heights. The attack in the contested region resulted in the deaths of 12 children, prompting international attention and condemnation.
The airstrike in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, reportedly killed at least three people, including two children, according to medical and security sources. A senior Lebanese security source confirmed the attack to Reuters, noting that the fate of the targeted commander, Fuad Shukr, remains unclear. Shukr, also known as Hajj Mohsin, is a senior adviser to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and is believed to be a key figure in the group’s precision missile project. He is also wanted by the United States for his involvement in the 1983 bombing of a US Marines barracks in Beirut.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated on X, “The IDF carried out a targeted strike in Beirut on the commander responsible for the murder of the children in Majdal Shams and numerous additional Israeli civilians.” The IDF assured that there were no immediate changes to the Home Front Command defensive guidelines but indicated that updates could follow.

Lebanon

‘s state-run National News Agency reported that the airstrike targeted the area around Hezbollah’s Shura Council in the Haret Hreik neighborhood. The incident has heightened tensions in the region, with Beirut remaining on edge amid fears of further Israeli retaliation. Israel and the United States have blamed Hezbollah for the attack in the Golan Heights, which Hezbollah has denied.
Vice President Harris’s remarks underscore the United States’ stance on Israel’s security and the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. As the situation develops, international leaders continue to monitor the potential for escalation in an already volatile region.