The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes overnight into February 21, 2026, in the Baalbek area of Lebanon's Beqaa Valley, killing a large number of Hezbollah operatives from the group's missile array, according to an IDF statement reported by Manny Fabian on X between 6:45 AM and 8:45 AM UTC. Lebanese media reported 10 killed and 30 wounded in the strikes on three Hezbollah command centers. The IDF targeted the command centers as the operatives were accelerating readiness and force build-up while planning rocket and missile attacks against Israel, violating ceasefire understandings between Israel and Lebanon, the military stated. This follows earlier overnight strikes in Ali el-Nahri, also in the Beqaa Valley, that killed five Hezbollah members, per a prior report by Joe Truzman on X. The Baalbek strikes occurred last night leading into the reporting window from 6:45 AM to 8:45 AM UTC, with the IDF confirming elimination of operatives endangering Israeli troops and civilians.
