Wednesday Briefing: An Israeli Airstrike in Syria

Israel launched airstrikes yesterday on a residential building in the Syrian capital, Damascus, according to two Israeli officials who spoke anonymously. The attack, which landed near the Iranian Embassy, was an attempt by the Israeli military to assassinate a ranking Hezbollah official involved in weapons smuggling, they said.

Syria’s state news agency said that the rockets had killed seven civilians, including women and children, citing a military source. It was not clear if the targeted official was among the dead. The Iranian Embassy in Damascus said that no Iranian citizens had been killed or wounded. It was not immediately clear if the strikes were part of Israel’s promised retaliation for Iran’s launch of some 200 missiles at Israel last week.

Lebanon: Israel said it sent more soldiers into southern Lebanon yesterday, signaling that it could be ramping up its ground invasion. Here’s what we know.

Gaza in ruins: Much of the enclave is unrecognizable after Israel’s relentless military campaign. This is what it used to look like.

Iran’s nuclear sites: There is a rising call in Israel — echoed by some in the U.S. — to target Iran’s nuclear capabilities. But some Israeli officials have their doubts that’s even possible.