Israel Strikes Hezbollah, Killing Three Commanders and 70 Fighters in 48 Hours

Photo : AFP

In a significant military operation in southern Lebanon, Israel has reported the deaths of three Hezbollah commanders along with approximately 70 fighters over the past 48 hours. This escalation follows the confirmation of the death of Hashem Safieddine, identified as the militant group’s heir apparent leader.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), operations are ongoing as troops conduct localized, targeted raids against Hezbollah's terrorist infrastructure. The IDF stated, "In southern Lebanon, our troops have eliminated around 70 terrorists through ground and aerial strikes in the last day."

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In response to the intensifying conflict, Israel has extended its evacuation warnings to central neighborhoods in the southern Lebanese port city of Tyre, advising residents to move northward. This recent offensive marks an increase in military activity following a year marked by border clashes with Hezbollah, which is considered one of Iran's most powerful proxy forces in the region.

The situation in Lebanon has deteriorated significantly, with reports indicating that at least 1.2 million Lebanese have been displaced from their homes due to the violence, and the death toll has reached 2,530, including at least 63 fatalities reported in the last 24 hours.

The IDF confirmed that Hashem Safieddine was killed in a strike three weeks ago in Beirut’s southern suburbs, marking its first acknowledgment of his death. Previously, Israel had indicated he was likely killed. There has been no immediate reaction from Hezbollah regarding the reported deaths.

Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, the chief of the Israeli army, stated, “We have reached Nasrallah, his replacement, and most of Hezbollah's senior leadership. We will continue to target anyone who poses a threat to the safety of Israeli civilians.”

Safieddine, a relative of Hezbollah's long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah, held significant positions within the organization, including on the Jihad Council, which oversees military operations, as well as the executive council, responsible for financial and administrative decisions. Over the past year, he took on a more prominent public role, often addressing events and funerals that Nasrallah could not attend for security reasons.

Despite the significant strikes against its leadership, Israel shows no signs of reducing its military efforts in both Gaza and Lebanon, even after eliminating key figures from Hamas and Hezbollah, including the killing of Nasrallah’s successor in a September 27 airstrike.

Diplomatic observers suggest that Israel's current military campaign aims to establish a strong foothold before the U.S. presidential elections on November 5, which could lead to shifts in U.S. foreign policy under a new administration.

On a broader front, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for two drone strikes targeting Israel’s port city of Eilat, asserting the attacks were aimed at "vital" locations. The Israeli military, however, reported that both drones were intercepted before reaching their targets.

This uptick in hostilities occurs amidst a backdrop of heightened collaboration among Iran-aligned groups in the region, including Hezbollah and other Shi'ite militias, who have pledged solidarity with the Palestinians following the recent conflicts initiated by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7.

As the conflict escalates, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is actively engaging with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to leverage the recent eliminations of Hamas leadership to secure the release of hostages taken during the October 7 assault and to work towards ending the ongoing war in Gaza.

Blinken’s visit, which marks his 11th trip to the region since the onset of the Gaza war, highlights the U.S. administration’s struggle to mediate a ceasefire after numerous unsuccessful attempts.

In light of the conflict’s toll, Netanyahu stated that the elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar may provide new avenues for peace, yet the prospect of a ceasefire remains elusive amid ongoing military actions that have led to widespread devastation in Gaza, displacing millions of Palestinians.

Hezbollah, for its part, has ruled out negotiations while the fighting continues, maintaining its commitment to resist Israeli actions in the region.

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