Israel conducted a targeted strike in Beirut on Wednesday night local time against the head of Hezbollah's executive committee Hashim Safi al-Din, three Israeli officials said. Why it matters: Safi al-Din is the leading figure to succeed Hassan Nasrallah as Hezbollah's leader.

Residents reported a sulfur-like smell following the attack, and Lebanon's state-run National News Agency accused Israel of using internationally banned phosphorous bombs.

The airstrike in the Bachoura neighborhood was the deadliest so far in the Lebanese capital. The area is close to government and U.N. buildings.