Israel strikes Hezbollah commanders in southern Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out targeted strikes in southern Lebanon on July 7, killing two members of Hezbollah, including a commander affiliated with the group's elite Radwan Force.

According to the IDF, the first strike took place in the Deir Kifa area and targeted Ali Abd al-Hassan Haidar, who they described as a senior operative within the Radwan Force, Caliber.Az reports per the IDF statement.

Israeli military officials said Haidar had played a key role in planning and advancing operations against Israeli military personnel and civilians, including an initiative referred to by Israel as the “Conquer the Galilee” plan. They also stated that in recent months, Haidar had been involved in efforts to reestablish Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

The IDF characterised these actions as violations of long-standing understandings between Israel and Lebanon.

Roughly two hours after the initial strike, Israeli forces carried out a second operation in the Beit Lif area, where another Hezbollah member was killed.

The Israeli military said it would continue operations aimed at countering threats to its security, while tensions persist along the Israel-Lebanon border. 

By Sabina Mammadli