Israeli airstrike in Beirut claims at least 37 lives, including Hezbollah commanders The aftermath of a devastating Israeli airstrike on central Beirut resulted in a death toll of at least 37 individuals, with Hezbollah confirming the loss of two senior commanders. The strikes, which demolished two apartment buildings, have thrown Lebanon into turmoil following recent explosions of Hezbollah members' pagers and walkie-talkies. Hezbollah, a significant political and military force in Lebanon, is now in disarray, marking a drastic shift in the longstanding conflict dynamics with Israel. Despite years of building military capacity to deter Israeli attacks post-2006 war, Hezbollah seems to have underestimated Israel's capabilities, leading to a challenging situation. The recent events have disrupted the balance of power, with Israel demonstrating superior strength over Hezbollah, according to experts. Amid expectations of a Hezbollah retaliation, tensions are high in the region, prompting concerns about escalating violence. Hezbollah's calls for vengeance and rocket launches into northern Israel have heightened the situation. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue to target Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, including rocket launchers. The strikes not only dealt a severe blow to Hezbollah militarily but also devastated the Shiite Muslim community in the densely populated Dahiya area of Beirut under Hezbollah's influence. Families of those residing in the destroyed buildings eagerly await news of their loved ones, with many still missing. The attacks have raised questions about Hezbollah's vulnerabilities and the effectiveness of its defenses against Israeli incursions. The detonation of communication devices, affecting Hezbollah's operational capabilities, has further complicated the situation. These attacks, condemned by the UN Security Council, have caused widespread fear and disrupted daily life in Lebanon. Despite criticisms, Israeli leaders remain resolute in their actions, signaling a continued aggressive stance towards Hezbollah. The possibility of a ground invasion is not ruled out as Israel seeks to address security concerns along its border with Lebanon. The recent exchange of attacks between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated tensions in the region, leading to significant destruction and displacement of residents on both sides. The conflict, which stems from the war in Gaza and ongoing border skirmishes, has strained relations between the two adversaries. Israel's stance against Hezbollah's presence near its border has toughened, indicating a shift in its tolerance for the militant group's activities. The situation remains precarious, with both sides bracing for potential further escalations in the conflict.