Israel-Hamas War day 357: What's happening in Gaza, Lebanon border?

The IDF targeted Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in a strike on the terror organization's central headquarters in Beirut Friday evening, the IDF reported after witnesses in Beirut told Reuters they had heard multiple blasts and saw clouds of smoke rising from the city.

Israeli officials suspect that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was in the bunker targeted in the recent bombing, and anyone inside would struggle to survive such an attack, N12 reported. 

About three hours before the strike, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held consultations with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi. A security source told the Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that "the extent of the destruction in Dahieh is enormous. Lebanon has reinforced all ambulances and dispatched them to the scene."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer on Thursday that further escalation to the conflict involving Lebanon will only make it harder for civilians to return home on both sides of the border, the State Department said in a readout of their meeting.

In an attempt to reduce tensions with the United States, Israel's Prime Minister's Office issued a statement in which it emphasized that Israel "shares the goals of the American proposal for a cease-fire in Lebanon - to allow the residents of the northern border to return to their homes safely."

The announcement states that Israel "appreciates the American efforts" and the American role in achieving stability and security in the region. The announcement was published after meetings were held by President Biden's advisers Brett McGurk and Amos Hochstein with the Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer.