The IDF targeted key commanders in the Lebanese Corps of the Quds Force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards overnight between Saturday and Sunday who were in a hotel in the Raouche district of central Beirut. A security source told Reuters that the attack targeted one of the rooms in the hotel. Lebanon said that at least four were killed and 10 injured in the attack, and that security forces blocked access to the area.
The IDF spokesperson's office said in a statement that "the IDF conducted a precise strike targeting key commanders in the IRGC’s Quds Force's Lebanon Corps who operated in Beirut. The commanders of the Quds Force's Lebanon Corps operated to advance terror attacks against the state of Israel and its civilians, while operating simultaneously for the IRGC in Iran."
The statement also said that "the Iranian terror regime operates systemically in the heart of the civilian population in Iran and Lebanon, cynically exploiting the civilian population as human shields to advance terror attacks.
"The Lebanon Corp connects the Hezbollah terrorist organization and the Iranian terror regime, supports Hezbollah force-building, and functions as the connection between senior IRGC personnel and Hezbollah leadership."
The IDF clarified that, prior to the strike, "steps were taken to mitigate harm to civilians, including the use of precise munition and aerial surveillance."
Reuters reported that the strike was on the Ramada Hotel in central Beirut, the first such attack to hit the heart of the Lebanese capital since Hezbollah began attacking Israel in response to Operation Roaring Lion against Iran.
The hotel was housing displaced people fleeing the war in southern Lebanon and Beirut's southern suburbs, and some were seen leaving the building for fear of further airstrikes, according to Reuters.
The IDF announced earlier that it had launched a new "wave of strikes" against Beirut, saying that it was targeting the southern suburbs of the capital, a stronghold of the pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement.
Earlier on Saturday, the IDF signaled that a ground operation in Lebanon remains possible, saying “all options are on the table” as fighting with Hezbollah continues alongside the broader war with Iran.
Speaking at a briefing marking one week since the start of Operation Roaring Lion, IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said Hezbollah has been paying a heavy price after opening fire from Lebanon.
“After Hezbollah opened fire from Lebanon, we struck it with great force and it is paying a heavy price,” Defrin said. “All options are on the table.” He stressed that Israel will not compromise on dismantling Hezbollah’s military capabilities.
First published: 03:05, 03.08.26