Israel Claims It Has Assassinated Senior Hezbollah Commander in Lebanon

Airstrike Hits Apartment Building in Southern Lebanon

In a move that intensifies its campaign against the Iran‑backed militant group, Israel announced that an airstrike on a residential building in the south of Lebanon killed Hezbollah’s chief of staff of the military wing.

Target and Outcome

The strike, carried out early on Saturday morning, reportedly detonated inside a multi‑unit apartment complex near the town of Marj al‑Zahra. Israeli officials said the target was the senior commander who oversees Hezbollah’s armed operations, a figure they described as “a key architect of cross‑border attacks.”

Hezbollah’s Response

Hezbollah’s spokesperson, Hassan Nasrallah, condemned the attack as a “criminal act of aggression” and vowed retaliation, stating that the organization would “continue its resistance against any attempts to undermine the sovereignty of Lebanon.”

International Reactions

The United Nations called for restraint from both sides, urging an immediate de‑escalation to prevent further civilian casualties. The United States expressed support for Israel’s right to defend itself, while Russia and Iran warned that the strike could “push the region closer to open conflict.”

Background

Relations between Israel and Hezbollah have been strained for years, with frequent border skirmishes and occasional rocket exchanges. This latest operation follows a series of Israeli raids targeting Hezbollah’s logistics networks and command structures across Lebanon.

Potential Implications

Analysts suggest that the elimination of a high‑ranking commander could disrupt Hezbollah’s operational planning, but they also caution that the group may respond with heightened attacks on Israeli territory, potentially sparking a new round of violence in the already volatile border region.