Israel says it killed Iranian intelligence minister in Beirut strike

Israel says it carried out an airstrike in central Beirut that killed Esmail Khatib, Iran's intelligence minister. The strike reportedly killed 12 people. Israeli officials stated the operation targeted Khatib, who they described as a key figure in Iran's intelligence apparatus.

In response to the strike, Israel has doubled its troop presence along its northern border with Lebanon. Israeli forces have also conducted searches in southern Lebanese villages. The airstrike followed reported attacks by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group based in Lebanon.

The situation has heightened tensions in the region. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated the operation was a message to Iran. There has been no immediate, independent confirmation of Khatib's death from Iranian state media.