The Israeli military announced it had targeted and killed a senior Hezbollah commander in an airstrike in Beirut on Tuesday evening. The claim was not immediately confirmed or denied by Hezbollah or Lebanese officials.
Retaliation for Tragic Incident in Golan Heights
Israeli fighter jets conducted the airstrike in retaliation for an assault in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights that resulted in the tragic deaths of 12 children and teenagers over the weekend.
The strike hit a residential building in a southern suburb of Beirut controlled by Hezbollah, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals, including a woman and two children, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
Concerns of Escalation
The attack has raised concerns in Western countries about a potential escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and the powerful Lebanese militia, Hezbollah.
Israeli Military’s Statement
Israeli military spokesman, Daniel Hagari, stated on social media that the targeted commander, Fuad Shukr, was responsible for directing Hezbollah’s recent campaign of rocket and drone attacks against Israel following the assault on Oct. 7.
Hagari also mentioned that Shukr, a close confidant of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, was linked to the strike in the Golan Heights village of Majdal Shams.
Hezbollah’s Response
Hezbollah has not officially commented on the status or involvement of Fuad Shukr in the recent events.
Prime Minister’s Warning
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had warned of a “severe” response following the Golan Heights attack, which tragically affected young people playing soccer in the area. Israel attributed the assault to Hezbollah, a claim denied by the group.
Despite the urging of Western officials for Israel to exercise restraint, the airstrike in Beirut took place.
