The IDF spokesperson, asked directly whether Israel will strike Beirut, replied: 'We act according to the directives of the political echelon.' The statement comes amid ongoing high alert and as the region awaits possible Iranian retaliation following last week's strike on Hezbollah targets in the Lebanese capital, according to Israeli military sources.
The IDF spokesperson, responding Friday afternoon to a direct question about a possible strike on Beirut, said the military acts 'according to the directives of the political echelon.' The brief response neither confirms nor rules out an imminent Israeli attack on the Lebanese capital.
The statement comes five days after Israel struck Hezbollah targets in Beirut — an operation that remains the subject of heightened regional tension. As The Zioneer reported, the IDF has been on high alert for potential Iranian retaliation since that strike, with Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir holding ongoing assessments and the Home Front Command maintaining current civilian guidelines.
Tehran has repeatedly signaled that its response is 'near,' and a senior U.S. official said the American military is prepared to respond if Iran decides to strike. A White House official also stated that military and diplomatic tracks can proceed in parallel.
The spokesperson's wording leaves open the possibility that a decision on further strikes in Beirut rests with the political leadership, not the military alone. No official confirmation or denial regarding a new operation in the city was provided.
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