Israeli military reviewing strike that killed 3 journalists in southern Lebanon
The Israeli military is reviewing an overnight airstrike in Lebanon that killed three journalists, a move that has sparked outrage from the Lebanese government and press freedom advocates.
In a statement to CNN, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they targeted a Hezbollah military structure in Hasbaiya, claiming that militants were “operating” inside. They acknowledged receiving reports hours later that journalists had been affected by the strike, adding that the incident is currently under review.
CNN geolocated footage indicating that the strike hit a guesthouse in Hasbaiya, where a blue press helmet and vest were visible amid the debris.
According to Lebanon’s state-run news agency NNA, two of the deceased journalists worked for the Lebanon-based TV channel Al-Mayadeen, while the third was affiliated with Hezbollah’s Al-Manar TV.
The attack was condemned by several Lebanese officials, including Information Minister Ziad Makary, who called it a “deliberate assassination” in a post on X. Prime Minister Najib Mikati described it as a “deliberate attempt” to intimidate journalists covering the ongoing conflict.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also issued a strong condemnation, urging the international community to address Israel’s “long-standing pattern of impunity” regarding the killing of journalists.
