Israel defence minister praises weekend air strikes in Beirut

Israeli Iron Dome air defence system fires to intercept rockets that were launched from Lebanon (Baz Ratner/AP)

Israel’s defence minister says recent attacks on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon are a step towards facilitating the return of displaced Israelis to their homes in the north of the country.

Speaking on Sunday evening after visiting the military’s Northern Command headquarters, Yoav Gallant described the recent air strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut as “significant, important and powerful”.