© Photo by Haim Zah, GPO
Israel Strikes Hezbollah Commanders Amid Rising Tensions in Southern Lebanon
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the elimination of a senior Hezbollah commander, Araeb el Shoga, in a targeted airstrike in Southern Lebanon. El Shoga, a high-ranking member of the Iran-backed group’s Radwan Forces Anti-tank Missile Unit, was killed in the Meiss El Jabal region. The IDF noted that El Shoga was responsible for multiple anti-tank missile attacks against northern Israel, making his elimination a significant setback for Hezbollah’s operations in the region.
Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has ramped up its operations in Southern Lebanon, conducting a series of strikes aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah’s military infrastructure. The IDF reported targeting a building near its troops, which led to numerous secondary explosions, indicating a stockpile of weapons.
The strikes follow a recent operation in central Beirut, which resulted in the deaths of 22 people and injuries to 117 others, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. This attack was aimed at Wafiq Safa, the head of Hezbollah’s liaison and coordination unit. However, Hezbollah’s Al Manar TV confirmed that the assassination attempt failed as Safa was not present at the time.
UNIFIL Attacks and Regional Escalation
Israeli forces have also come under scrutiny after firing on United Nations peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon, wounding two personnel and causing extensive damage to UNIFIL’s facilities in Naqoura. The UN peacekeeping mission reported that an Israeli tank directly targeted an observation tower at its headquarters, damaging critical communication systems and vehicles. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation from international entities.
Iran’s Involvement and Israel’s Response
Tensions escalated further when Iran retaliated for the assassination of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders by firing approximately 180 ballistic missiles into Israeli territory. In response, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned of a “lethal and surprising” response, though no specific details were disclosed.
Hezbollah initiated the recent round of hostilities on October 8, 2023, aligning with Hamas in support of the Palestinian cause. The subsequent escalation has raised concerns about broader regional instability, with both sides intensifying their military activities.
Israel’s operations against Hezbollah continue as the country seeks to dismantle the militant group’s capabilities and curb its influence in the region.
