NPR News: 05-07-2026 8AM EDT

Israel launched airstrikes on Beirut last night, marking the first attack on the Lebanese capital since a ceasefire took effect three weeks ago on April 16 between Lebanon and Israel. This NPR News Now update also covers a US diplomatic visit to the Vatican, economic disruptions from the Iran conflict, a federal ruling on 2020 Georgia election materials, and a late snowstorm in Colorado.

Israeli Strikes Target Hezbollah in Beirut

The Israeli military conducted airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, hitting a building on a residential street and causing the top floors to collapse. Civil defense workers have cordoned off the area and are working to stabilize the roof. Israel claims the operation killed a Hezbollah leader, though Hezbollah has not commented. These strikes occurred despite the ongoing ceasefire, with Israel continuing attacks in Beirut and southern Lebanon. Reporting from Beirut, Jane Araf and Pierre News noted the fragile truce, underscoring how such actions test the April 16 agreement amid persistent cross-border tensions.