(Matthew Du, NewsUSA Reporter) - The Israel-Gaza war has escalated into Lebanese territory after Israeli forces launched a drone attack on Beirut. The operation led to the death of a senior Hamas member, Saleh Al-Arouri, who served as the deputy head of the group's political arm. Four other civilians perished in Beirut. 

There was no formal announcement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to confirm the assassination, but former Israeli ambassador Danny Danon praised the IDF on his X account. 

Beirut is also home to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed political and militant group. Israel is said to be on alert for possible counterattacks by the Lebanese group.